Got an address? Prove it

You need proof of address. What do you do? My friend is staying in my house, having just sold her own, and will be for the next few months while she waits for the purchase of her new house to make its way through layers of bureaucracy seemingly laid down when post was delivered on horseback, by a man in a cocked hat who said things like: "Forsooth, here be thine missive, fair lady."

- JENNIE RIDYARD

The first request from the property lawyers is for her proof of address.

But I just sold my house, says she.

So where are you living, they ask.

At a friend's, she says—you can send all correspondence there.

But we need proof of that, they say—because if you're homeless, then apparently you can't buy a home—and coming around for a cuppa and to check her clothes are in the wardrobe is not an option they're willing to consider.