Getting Homelessness Help After Leaving Your Home Voluntarily in Wales

If you're a renter in Wales and have left your home voluntarily, you may be unsure whether you're eligible for homelessness support. Understanding your rights and your local council's responsibilities can make a big difference in what help you receive. This guide covers what happens if you leave by choice, key forms and legal points to know, and where to seek assistance.

Can You Get Homelessness Support If You Leave Voluntarily?

Yes, you may still get help—but leaving accommodation by choice can affect what your council offers. Councils in Wales must assess everyone who approaches them for homelessness support, but if they decide you are 'intentionally homeless', this may limit the help you get.

What Does 'Intentionally Homeless' Mean?

According to Welsh law, you're generally considered intentionally homeless if you:

• Deliberately left somewhere you could have stayed
• Caused your homelessness through actions you could have reasonably avoided

The main law on this is the Housing (Wales) Act 2014^[1].

How Does the Council Decide If You’re Intentionally Homeless?

The local authority will assess your situation, including:

• Your reasons for leaving (for example, harassment, poor conditions, or not paying rent)
• Whether you were under threat of eviction or faced unavoidable hardship
• Any evidence showing why you had to leave

If the council decides you’re intentionally homeless, they still have to offer advice and some limited support. However, you may not get long-term accommodation. If you left because of domestic abuse or serious risks, you are not usually considered intentionally homeless.

The Process: What Happens After You Contact the Council

If you approach your local council about being homeless or at risk, here's what typically happens:

• The council must complete an assessment (using the homelessness application process)
• They’ll ask for details about why and how you left your last home
• You’ll receive a written decision outlining the outcome and support offered

For many renters, it's best to get advice before leaving a tenancy. If you've already left, provide as much evidence as possible about your situation and any reasons you couldn't stay.

Relevant Forms and How They're Used

• Homelessness Application (No specific national form name in Wales):
  • Usually completed in person, over the phone, or online via your local council’s housing options team
  • Example: You contact your council’s housing office and complete their online homelessness assessment form, providing details on why you left your last address.
  • Use this if you need help because you have left or are about to lose your home.
  • Official Application Guidance
• Section 184 Decision Notice (Local Authority Duty):
  • Council sends this written notice after assessing your case under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014
  • Example: Your council writes to you stating whether you are eligible for longer-term help or only advice.
  • Keep this letter if you wish to request a review.
  • Housing (Wales) Act 2014, Section 63

If you disagree with a council decision, you have the right to request a review. Find out how to do this on the Welsh Government’s homelessness advice pages.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenancy Disputes in Wales?

If you wish to challenge an eviction or tenancy issue, these are usually dealt with by the County Court in Wales for possession claims, or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for certain disputes, such as rent repayment orders and license appeals.

What Does the Law Say?

Your rights and the local authority’s obligations are set out in the Housing (Wales) Act 2014^[1]. This law covers how homelessness is assessed, duties of councils, and definitions such as 'intentionally homeless.'

Steps to Take if You Have Left a Rent Property Voluntarily

• Gather evidence explaining why you left (letters, photos, emails, rent records)
• Contact your local council’s housing options/homelessness team as soon as possible
• Complete the council’s application process and attend interviews if asked
• Keep copies of all decisions and correspondence
• If refused support for being intentionally homeless, ask for a written review within 21 days

Acting quickly helps the council understand your side and improves your chances of receiving help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I be refused all help if I left my last home by choice?
   Not necessarily. Even if you've left voluntarily and are found intentionally homeless, the council must still provide some advice and temporary help, but not always long-term accommodation.
2. What if I left to escape domestic abuse?
   Leaving to escape violence or significant risk is not considered intentional homelessness. Councils should offer support—be clear about your circumstances and provide evidence where possible.
3. How quickly will the council decide if I am intentionally homeless?
   Local councils aim to assess and respond as soon as possible—normally within 33 working days. You'll receive a written notice with their decision and next steps.
4. Can I challenge the council's decision?
   Yes. You have the right to request a review of the council’s homelessness decision within 21 days of being notified in writing. See the Welsh Government guidance for how to do this.
5. Can a private landlord evict me without notice?
   In Wales, most tenancies require written notice before eviction. If you left because your landlord asked you to leave without notice, mention this to your council—unlawful eviction is a serious matter. See official advice for private renters.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Homelessness Help & Advice
• Shelter Cymru – Free, confidential advice for people facing homelessness in Wales
• Find Your Local Council – Contact details for housing teams across Wales
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – For tenancy and property appeals

---

1. Housing (Wales) Act 2014 – legislation.gov.uk

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