Housing Advice for Tenants with Mental Illness in Wales

If you rent your home in Wales and live with a mental illness or suffer from mental distress, you have important rights and extra protections under Welsh housing law. Navigating renting challenges—like rent increases, repairs, or threats of eviction—can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with health issues. This guide explains your rights, the support available, and practical steps you can take to keep your home secure.

Your Rights as a Renter with Mental Illness

Welsh housing law recognises mental illness as a disability. Landlords must treat tenants fairly, make reasonable adjustments, and comply with the law, including the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹ and the Equality Act 2010². If you need extra help to maintain your tenancy or face discrimination, there are steps you can take to get support.

Key Rights and Protections

• Reasonable adjustments: Your landlord must consider changes to help you live independently (for example, allowing you more time to respond to letters or repairs).
• Protection from discrimination: It is illegal for your landlord to treat you unfairly or attempt eviction due to your mental health condition.
• Support to maintain your tenancy: You may be entitled to extra support from your local council or social services if your mental illness makes managing your tenancy harder.

Getting Repairs and Dealing With Maintenance

All landlords in Wales are legally required to keep your home safe, secure, and in good repair, regardless of your health status, under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. If you find it hard to contact your landlord, ask for repairs, or manage correspondence due to your mental health, you can:

• Request reasonable adjustments (such as written communications, or allowing a support worker to contact the landlord for you).
• Contact your local council if urgent repairs are ignored.

Protection from Eviction and Possession Orders

If your landlord tries to evict you, they must follow the proper legal process. You cannot be evicted without notice and, in most cases, a court or tribunal order. The main body handling housing disputes in Wales is the Civil and Family Courts Wales.

• If your mental health affects your ability to manage notices or legal paperwork, ask for more time or help from a support worker.
• If you're facing eviction, contact your council's housing team quickly—social services have a duty to help vulnerable tenants in Wales.

Relevant Official Forms

• Notice Seeking Possession (RHW16): Used by landlords to begin eviction under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. If you receive this, do not ignore it. Contact your council or a support service as soon as possible. See all official Welsh Renting Homes forms.
• Homelessness Application Form: If you’re at risk of homelessness due to mental illness, you can apply to your local council’s housing team for help. This can trigger a Personal Housing Plan and support duties. Access homelessness advice from the Welsh Government.

Getting Help from Your Local Authority or Social Services

Councils in Wales have legal powers and duties to help people at risk of losing their home, especially those with mental illness or other vulnerabilities. Support might include:

• Advocacy in communicating with your landlord about your needs.
• Support with negotiating reasonable adjustments or payment plans.
• Applying for affordable or supported housing if your current home isn’t suitable.

If you’re struggling, contact your council’s housing or social services team. You can also visit the official Welsh Government council finder to get the right contact information.

Relevant Legislation

• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 governs tenancies, eviction, and repairs.
• Equality Act 2010 covers disability rights and discrimination.

FAQ: Housing and Mental Health in Wales

1. Can my landlord evict me because I have a mental illness?
   No. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for any landlord to evict you or treat you less favourably due to your mental health. Any eviction must follow the legal process and cannot be based on your disability.
2. What should I do if I cannot pay my rent because of my mental health?
   Contact your landlord and local council as soon as possible. You may be eligible for support, such as Discretionary Housing Payment or a payment plan. Your council can help mediate and prevent you from becoming homeless.
3. Can I ask my landlord for adjustments to help with my tenancy?
   Yes. As a disabled tenant, you can request reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010—such as extra time for responses, written communication, or involving a support worker.
4. What support does the council have to provide if I am at risk of eviction?
   Councils in Wales must assess and help if you are threatened with homelessness within 56 days, including creating a Personal Housing Plan and offering appropriate support.
5. Where can I find the official forms for Welsh renting and eviction?
   All official forms, such as Notice Seeking Possession (RHW16), are available from the Welsh Government Renting Homes forms page.

Conclusion / Key Takeaways

• If you have mental illness, Welsh law protects your right to a safe and secure home, and requires landlords to make reasonable adjustments.
• Support is available from your council and social services for maintaining your tenancy or if you face eviction.
• Never ignore official notices—help is available if you act quickly and seek support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Housing Help and Homelessness Service
• Official Renting Homes Forms (Welsh Government)
• Civil and Family Courts Wales – for housing possession hearings
• Find Your Local Welsh Authority or Council
• Government Guidance on Disability Discrimination

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Equality Act 2010

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