Choosing Where You’re Housed After Homelessness in Wales

When facing homelessness or needing help after eviction in Wales, it’s natural to want some control over where you will be rehoused. This article explains your rights and what the local council considers when offering you accommodation after you apply for homelessness support in Wales.

How Homelessness Support Works in Wales

If you’re homeless or about to lose your home, you have the right to ask your local council for help. Councils in Wales have legal duties under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014¹ to prevent and relieve homelessness, including rehousing families, single adults, and vulnerable people.

You can request help from your local council by making a homelessness application. The council must investigate your situation and decide what support they can offer.

Can You Choose Where You’re Housed?

Most people would like to choose the area or even the specific type of housing where they are rehoused. In Wales, councils should try to take your preferences into account, especially for reasons like work, schooling, or caring responsibilities. However, there are legal limits to what you can choose.

• Your wishes or preferences will be considered, but the council does not have to meet them exactly.
• Accommodation must be suitable for your needs — including factors like health, accessibility, and proximity to support networks.
• If you refuse an offer without good reason, you may lose your right to further help.

How Councils Decide Where to Offer Accommodation

Councils use official guidelines to assess suitable housing. They will look at:

• Your household needs (e.g., number of people, health or mobility issues)
• Any risks to your wellbeing or safety
• Proximity to work, education, and supportive family or friends
• Availability of suitable accommodation in the area

They may offer ‘temporary accommodation’ at first before providing something more permanent later.

What If You Need To Stay in a Particular Area?

Some people have specific reasons for staying in a certain location—such as needing to remain close to a child’s school, or specialist medical care. You should make these needs clear when you make your homelessness application. Councils must consider these reasons, but may still offer accommodation outside your preferred area if nothing suitable is available.

Always explain clearly in writing why being close to certain locations is essential for you or your family. Provide supporting documents if possible (like a letter from a school or doctor).

Forms Used in Welsh Homelessness Applications

When applying for support or appealing a council’s decision, you may need to complete certain forms:

• Homelessness Application: There is no single national form, but every Welsh council provides their own online or paper form to start the process. Search "homelessness application [your council]" or visit the Welsh Government council finder.
• Appealing a Homelessness Decision (Section 202 Review):
  If you disagree with an accommodation offer or the outcome of your application, you can request a Section 202 Review. This must usually be done in writing, directly to your council, within 21 days of the decision. The Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities explains how reviews work.
  Example: If you’re offered accommodation far from your child’s school and you believe it’s unreasonable, you can write to the council asking for a “Section 202 Review of the suitability of accommodation”.

Which Tribunal Handles Housing Disputes in Wales?

If the council upholds a decision against you after a review, you may be able to appeal further to a county court. Housing disputes in Wales are usually handled by the County Court for appeals relating to homelessness and accommodation offers.

What Happens If You Refuse the Council's Offer?

If the council makes you an offer and you refuse, you risk losing your entitlement to further homelessness help. You have the right to request a review if you believe the offer is not suitable for your needs. It’s important to respond in writing and act quickly.

For official guidance, see the Welsh Government's homelessness advice page.

FAQ: Choosing Where You’re Housed in Wales

1. Can I choose the exact town or street I want to live in?
   No, you cannot choose a specific address. Councils will consider your preferences and needs, but the final offer depends on what is available and what is judged suitable.
2. What if I have a child in a local school or a job in the area?
   Explain these reasons clearly in your application. The council should consider these factors, especially if moving would cause hardship, but cannot guarantee an offer nearby if no suitable housing is available.
3. How do I challenge a housing offer I think is unsuitable?
   Request a Section 202 Review in writing to your council within 21 days of the decision. A senior officer will consider if the property meets your legal needs.
4. Can the council offer temporary accommodation far from my support network?
   Yes, this can happen due to housing shortages. You should still raise any concerns or reasons why you need to stay local so the council can consider your situation.
5. Where can I find the law on homelessness in Wales?
   The main law is the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, which sets out your rights and the council’s duties.

Conclusion: What Renters in Wales Should Know

• Your council should consider your needs and preferences, but cannot guarantee your exact location.
• If you disagree with a housing offer, you can request a formal review within 21 days.
• Act quickly, give clear reasons, and keep written records of all communication with the council.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Homelessness Advice – Official guidance and next steps.
• Find Your Local Council – Apply for homelessness help or make a complaint.
• County Court (UK Government) – Appeal homelessness decisions.
• Homelessness Code of Guidance – Legal guidance for local authorities on their duties.

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1. Housing (Wales) Act 2014 – The main legislation covering homelessness law and council responsibilities in Wales.

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