Choosing Where You Live in Social Housing in Wales

Many people in Wales rely on social housing for affordable and secure homes. If you're applying for social housing, you might wonder whether you can pick the area or type of property you'd like to live in. This article guides you through the rules, your options, and what to expect during the social housing application process in Wales, using up-to-date information and official government sources.

How Social Housing is Allocated in Wales

Social housing in Wales is mainly provided by local councils and registered social landlords (also called housing associations). Demand is typically high, so each organisation uses an allocations policy — a set of rules determining who is offered housing and when. These policies are shaped by the Housing (Wales) Act 2014^[1] and guidance from the Welsh Government.

Can You Choose a Location?

Most social housing application forms let you express preferences for areas, neighbourhoods, or sometimes specific types of properties (like a house or flat). However, your choice may be limited by:

• Housing availability: There might be few or no vacant homes in your chosen area.
• Priority need: Housing is often offered first to people with urgent needs (such as families, disabled people, or those facing homelessness).
• Local connection: Many councils use your established links with an area (work, family, previous residence) to determine eligibility for homes in that area.

The Application Process: What to Expect

You must apply through your local council or a housing association. Most councils in Wales work together in common housing registers, so you only need one application for different types of social housing in the area.

• List your area and property preferences on the application form.
• Provide documents to prove your identity and local connection.
• Your circumstances will be assessed and you’ll be placed on a waiting list (the 'housing register').

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Housing Register Application Form (Used by local councils and housing associations)
  • When and how to use: Complete this when you want to apply for social housing for the first time or to update your preferences. For example, a family moving to a new town in Wales would fill in this form to join the local waiting list and state their area choices.
  • Cardiff Council Common Housing Application
• Change of Circumstances Form
  • When and how to use: Use this to update your application if your family size, health, or area preference changes while you are waiting. For instance, if you get a new job in a different part of Wales, you can use this form to change your preferred location.
  • Swansea Council Change of Circumstances

How Offers Are Made

Councils and housing associations match available homes to eligible people on the waiting list according to need and priority. You are usually allowed to state preferences, but may only receive one or two offers — if you refuse repeatedly, you could lose your priority or need to reapply. Carefully consider what is most important to you: location, immediate need, or waiting time.

What If You Disagree With a Decision?

If you think you’ve been unfairly denied a choice or are not being offered the areas you asked for, you can:

• Request a review of the housing allocation decision by the council or housing association.
• If not resolved, escalate your complaint to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

The main tribunal for residential tenancy issues in Wales is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales, which hears certain housing disputes and appeals about housing allocation decisions.

Seeking independent advice from Shelter Cymru or your council's housing team can help clarify your choices.

FAQ

1. Can I choose a specific area to live in when applying for social housing in Wales?
   You can express your preference, but your options may be limited by housing availability, local connection, and priority need.
2. Will refusing an offer affect my position on the waiting list?
   Refusing suitable offers may lower your priority or require you to reapply, so only turn down offers if you're certain you can wait longer.
3. How do I update my application if my circumstances change?
   Use your council's Change of Circumstances form online or in person as soon as possible to ensure your preferences and eligibility stay current.
4. Who makes final decisions if there is a dispute over social housing allocations?
   Start with your local council's review process. If not resolved, you can contact the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales or Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
5. Is there one application for all social housing in an area?
   Many councils use a common housing register, meaning one application can cover several local housing associations and council homes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• You can state preferences for where you live in Welsh social housing, but allocations depend on availability, need, and local policy.
• Refusing offers could affect your future eligibility, so weigh your choices carefully.
• The main legislation is the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, and disputes can be reviewed by official services.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Apply for Council Housing (gov.uk)
• Shelter Cymru – Free housing advice for renters in Wales
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales
• Public Services Ombudsman for Wales – For housing complaints
• Contact your local council housing team for application forms and welfare support

---

1. Housing (Wales) Act 2014

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation