If you're renting in Wales and face eviction or notice to leave your home, it's natural to wonder what, if any, responsibility your landlord has in helping you secure a new place. This article provides an easy-to-understand overview of your rights and available support, focusing specifically on Welsh law and procedures.
What Are a Landlord’s Responsibilities When You’re Evicted?
In Wales, landlords are not legally required to help tenants find alternative accommodation if they serve you notice or begin the eviction process. Their main obligations relate to how they end the tenancy, such as giving the correct notice period and using the correct forms. However, you do have rights to seek support from your local council and there are official channels and services designed to help.
What the Law Says
The key Welsh housing law is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 20161, which governs how landlords must operate and how tenancies are managed. Landlords must follow official processes, but they do not have direct duties to rehouse tenants.
When Might a Landlord Offer Help?
- Some landlords or letting agents may choose to provide references or contacts for other available properties.
- They might suggest local letting agencies or housing options but this is not legally required.
- If you live in social housing, your landlord (like a council or housing association) may have specific transfer or rehousing policies—check directly with them.
What If You Become Homeless or at Risk?
If you receive an eviction notice or need to leave, your local council is your main source of help. By law, Welsh councils must assess and, in some cases, help prevent your homelessness under the Housing (Wales) Act 20142.
How to Apply for Council Homelessness Support
- Contact your local council’s housing department as soon as you get notice to leave. Don't wait until you're homeless.
- Prepare any tenancy paperwork, eviction notices, and ID to help your case.
- The council will carry out a homelessness assessment and may offer support to keep you in your current home or help you find a new one.
Official Forms to Know
- RHW16 – Notice for Possession of a Standard Contract
RHW16 form details and download — Used by landlords to formally give you notice. Always make sure the notice you receive uses the correct form and period.
Example: Your landlord gives you a RHW16 notice, which formally begins the eviction process from your rented home in Wales. - Homelessness Application
This is not a singular national form, but every Welsh Council provides an online application or can offer forms in person to get homelessness help. Find your local council here. Example: After receiving notice, you complete your local council’s homelessness support application to get assessed and access help.
Tribunals and Formal Disputes
If you believe your landlord hasn't followed the correct eviction procedure or is acting unfairly, you have the right to challenge them at the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. The tribunal handles disputes over eviction, notices, rent increases, and other rental matters in Wales.
What You Can Do
- If you think your notice is invalid, seek advice before leaving your home.
- You may appeal to the tribunal if necessary, especially if you believe your landlord is not following the law.
- If you feel at risk of homelessness, your council’s duty is to assist you regardless of whether your landlord helps.
Summary: Who Actually Helps You Find a New Place?
To summarise, in Wales:
- Landlords usually do not have to help you find new accommodation.
- Your council has a legal duty to offer support if you’re threatened with homelessness.
- Use official forms and seek advice if you think your landlord isn’t following correct process.
FAQs: Help for Renters Moving in Wales
- Does my landlord have to find me a new home if I'm evicted in Wales?
No, landlords are not legally obliged to rehouse tenants. Your local council is responsible for supporting you if you're at risk of homelessness. - How soon should I contact my council if I receive an eviction notice?
Contact your council as soon as you are given notice. Early contact gives you better options for support and prevents homelessness. - What official form should my landlord use to give notice in Wales?
Your landlord must use the RHW16 form for standard contracts as set by Welsh law. - Can I challenge my eviction if I think it’s unfair?
Yes, you may apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if you think your landlord hasn’t followed the law or correct notice procedures. - What if I don’t have anywhere to go after eviction?
If you’ll be homeless, your local council has a legal duty to assess your situation and may help you find emergency or longer-term housing.
Need Help? Resources for Renters
- Find Your Local Council in Wales – For housing support and homelessness applications
- Residential Property Tribunal Wales – For disputes about eviction or other tenancy issues
- Shelter Cymru – Free independent advice for renters and those facing homelessness
- Welsh Government Renting a Home Hub – Official guidance for tenants in Wales
