Unsustainable living situation

[u/bruxelles_]

Dear all,

I’m not sure whether this is the right sub for this question, I’m also not sure how to properly describe this situation.

I’m looking for advice regarding my current living situation. I’m 23 years old, I work at 80% capacity (70% as of next month) while pursuing an MSc in evening classes. I live with my father, but our home situation is becoming too unsafe.

To keep it short, my dad is psychologically very abusive, and has been so my entire life. Lately, his behaviour has been getting out of control, and our fights are now physical. I’m looking to move out asap, which feels impossible because housing prices in Brussels are incredibly high.

Because I’m a studying, I qualify for student housing. However, I have two cats, which my father has been threatening me with (i.e. he threatens to throw them out). To my knowledge, dorms generally do not allow any pets.

I make around 2.1k net today at 80% capacity and because I do not have a drivers license, it would be better for me to remain in Brussels.

I’m not looking for any monetary support, just genuine advice on what to do next.

My question for you is the following:
1) what are my options right now? What can I do in the event that my dad does actually throw my cats out?
2) with a net income of 2.1k, how much rent can I actually afford in Brussels without burning through my savings or living paycheck to paycheck ?
3) are there any cohousing/dorms that do actually allow for pets?

Thank you all in advance for your support. I’m happy to give some extra context or answer any questions.

[u/Pauliyadl12]

Maybe try to found a house with only one roommate that would like to have cats? It would be like 700-800€ and I have seen announcements on Facebook

[u/bruxelles_ → u/Pauliyadl12]

Is there a specific group on facebook where you find these announcements ? The few groups I have found on facebook were mainly renting our dorms or apartments outside my budget

[u/orthopaedicward → u/bruxelles_]

I have some friends that are leaving for a year, 700€ month + charges If I remember well, I can give you their contact by DM if you're interested

[u/bruxelles_ → u/orthopaedicward]

Yes please!

[u/Pauliyadl12 → u/bruxelles_]

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Fg6iKDGQv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
There’s this one, there a lot of colocation offers and you can ask them if they would be open to having cats, or you can offer that the cats stay on your room. Lots of luck 🍀!!

[u/bruxelles_ → u/Pauliyadl12]

Thank you so much!

[u/throw_a_way0009]

Make an appointment with CAW (centrum algemeen welzijn) not sure abt the French name. They give free advice to people who don't know where to go from a specific situation, just like you. They can help you find the right options whether it is extra financial support, social housing, etc etc etc they know the ins and outs of the social system.

I would give away your cats though, or let someone take care of them until you find a place.

There's a group on facebook called "durf te vragen Brussel II" people post all kinds of 'social questions' you can do so anonymously and chances are there will be trustworthy people willing to foster care for your cats. It's mostly flemish speakers though.

Wish you all the luck

[u/bruxelles_ → u/throw_a_way0009]

Thank you. I will give CAW a call asap

[u/17sobbinghorses]

I don’t have advice rn but best of luck. I hope you find a sustainable solution. Courage 🦾🦾

[u/bruxelles_ → u/17sobbinghorses]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[u/borderreaver]

Most of my friends make less money than that and they can live very comfortably in Brussels. Try Cimitière d'Ixelles for colocs

[u/TheMummalode]

I don't know much about how your personal housing situation can be sorted but I'd be happy to discuss potentially housing your cats until you are more settled

[u/artbarsa]

My advise would be short term rental for a few weeks in a cheap place, you could move in almost immediately and with your cats. I think we could help you.

During this time you would search and find a long term place for you and your cats. 

[u/Justepourtoday]

Student housing is mostly through Facebook groups and I would say 600e is the median price, maybe 650e.

It is entirely up yo the people living there if they accept cats or not, but I would say you have good shot because a not of people enjoy having a pet in the house that is not actually theirs (and so is not their responsibility). Its not a majority but is not actually that hard to find a place thst would be friendly to cats 

[u/electricien_bruxello]

Find someone you can trust your cats with, find a shared housing, start therapy.

[u/bruxelles_ → u/[deleted]]

I’m sorry but I really don’t want to give them away. They’re my babies and I care about their safety more than I care about my own.