Many tenants and renters in Wales worry about losing their home. If you are facing eviction, at risk of becoming homeless, or already without a safe place to stay, this guide explains what to do now, the legal duties of your local authority, and the official forms and tribunals that may help you secure temporary or longer-term housing. It uses plain language aimed at renters and tenants, explains key deadlines and evidence you should collect, and shows how to contact the right places for emergency assistance. Keep notes, copies of your tenancy agreement and rent records, and act quickly when you receive notices so you do not miss time-critical deadlines.
What the law covers
For landlord and tenant law that applies across England and Wales, the main statutes are the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977[1][2]. These set out possession grounds, tenancy types and some of the formal steps landlords must take before they can evict. If you live in Wales and need homelessness help, your local authority has duties to assess and, in some cases, to provide housing help; contact them straight away.[3]
Immediate steps if you are at risk
- Contact your local authority homelessness team or housing options service as soon as possible to request an assessment.
- Gather evidence: tenancy agreement, ID, rent payment records, benefit letters and any notices from your landlord.
- Note deadlines shown on any written notice and act before the stated date to preserve rights and options.
- Keep copies of every form or notice you submit or receive and record dates when you hand things in or send emails.
Applying for homelessness help
You apply through your local authority homelessness or housing options team; some councils publish an online application or a local form. The Welsh Government publishes guidance about homelessness duties and how councils should handle assessments, which explains what you should expect when you apply and what housing options the council must consider.[3] For example, if you are a tenant fleeing domestic abuse you should say so immediately so the authority can treat your application as urgent.
Eviction and possession: official forms
If a landlord wants possession they normally need a court order. Common court forms include the possession claim form (Form N5) used to start a claim for possession in the County Court; this form and guidance explain how landlords bring claims and what a tenant can do to respond.[5] Below are practical notes about these official forms and when you might see them.
- Form N5 (claim for possession) — used by a landlord to start a possession claim in court; if you receive one, you can respond and you should get legal advice or contact your local authority immediately.
- County Court possession order — if a judge grants possession, the order explains when you must leave and any time to appeal or apply for suspension.
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — some tenancy disputes and rent issues can be decided by the Property Chamber; contact details and application guidance are on the official tribunal pages.[4]
Disputes, repairs and evidence
If your issue relates to disrepair or unlawful withholding of services (heating, water, major plumbing faults), raise the problem with your landlord in writing and keep copies. Local authorities can sometimes help if a property is unsafe or not fit to live in. Record photos, dates and any communication; this evidence helps both homelessness assessments and tribunal or court cases.
What to expect from the local authority
When you make a homelessness application the council will assess whether you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days, whether you are eligible for assistance, and whether you have a priority need. If they accept a duty to provide interim accommodation they should tell you and explain next steps. If the council decides it does not owe a duty you can ask for that decision in writing and request a review.
How to challenge decisions
If you disagree with a homelessness decision ask the council for a written statement of reasons and the process to request a review. For possession or tenancy disputes you may be able to ask the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or the County Court to consider your case depending on the issue; check the correct route on the official tribunal and court pages.[4]
FAQ
- Who decides if I am homeless?
- Your local authority makes a homelessness decision after you apply and assess whether you are homeless, eligible and have priority need.
- Can a landlord evict me without a court order?
- In almost all cases a landlord must get a court possession order before evicting; unlawful eviction is illegal and you should report it to the police and your local authority.
- What should I include in a homelessness application?
- Include ID, tenancy agreement, recent rent receipts, correspondence with your landlord and details of anyone at risk or with urgent health needs.
How-To
- Contact your local authority housing or homelessness service and ask for an assessment.
- Collect documents: ID, tenancy agreement, rent records, benefits letters and any written notices from your landlord.
- Submit any required local form or application in person or online and keep a dated copy.
- Respond quickly to council requests for information and to any court or tribunal notices.
Help and Support / Resources
- Welsh Government homelessness guidance
- Rent Smart Wales (landlord regulation and tenant info)
- Find your local council (to contact homelessness services)
