[MargaretR]

I had originally hoped to move out at the end of June. I applied for the tenancy on 15th June and thought that 2 weeks was enough time to check my credit rating. My son is essential to me for helping me move and he had a holiday in Italy booked for the first two weeks in July.

The delay was due to Hyndburn Homes denying they had ever received a request for a reference. The credit check took longer than it should because of that.

They also never sent me the 'Termination of Tenancy' form I had requested immediately after I viewed the new flat on 15th June. Despite notifying them of my moving date by email they still required it 'in writing' and got it on a hastily written postcard which a neighbour posted for me at the 11th hour. Any later would have meant paying for another week of rent after the week I move out.

I managed to circumvent their administrative inadequacies and satisfy the credit checking agency that I was a legal tenant who had paid rent by direct debit for over 10 years without default.

So the past few weeks of 'cooking' under this hot roof could have been avoided.

You would think that by vacating a one bedroomed flat, which many are desperate for, they would take the trouble to ensure my speedy departure - they almost did - in a wooden box.