Support Services for Homeless Tenants in Wales

If you've recently lost your home or are at risk of homelessness in Wales, it's essential to know your rights and the wide range of support services available. Wales offers strong protections and active help for renters facing eviction or homelessness, from immediate emergency housing advice to tailored support plans. This article covers the key services, up-to-date legal steps, and practical actions you can take.

Understanding Homelessness and Your Legal Rights

In Wales, you may be classed as 'homeless' not just if you're sleeping rough, but also if you have no legal right to stay in your home, or if your accommodation is unsafe or unsuitable. The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 guarantees significant duties for local councils to prevent and relieve homelessness.^[1]

• You do not have to be sleeping rough to get help—overcrowded, unsafe, or threatened with eviction also counts.
• Your local council is the starting point for all homelessness support in Wales.
• You have the right to make a homelessness application if you're at risk within the next 56 days.

How Councils Must Help Homeless Tenants

Councils in Wales follow clear procedures to help renters facing homelessness:

• Early Intervention: If you're threatened with homelessness within 56 days, contact your local council as soon as possible.
• Homelessness Assessment: The council must assess your situation and create a Personal Housing Plan with you.
• Prevention Duty: Councils must offer support to prevent you from losing your home, if at all possible.
• Relief Duty: If you're already homeless, they must help you secure suitable accommodation.
• The assessment considers if you are eligible, homeless/threatened with homelessness, and in 'priority need' (such as families with children, pregnant women, or vulnerable adults).

How to Start a Homelessness Application

To request help, contact your local Welsh council housing department. You have the right to fill in a 'homelessness application'. This starts the official process—forms may vary between councils, but commonly you'll be asked to provide:

• Proof of ID
• Tenancy agreement and eviction notices
• Details about who lives with you
• Reasons you're at risk or already homeless

Key Official Forms and How They're Used

• Homelessness Application (Local Council):
  • Use: Start the process for getting official homelessness support from your council.
  • Example: If you have received a Section 21 eviction notice and will be homeless in the next 56 days, apply straight away to your council.
  • Where to find: Application is made directly via your local council's website or housing office.
• Notice Seeking Possession or Notice to Quit (from your landlord):
  • Use: These are eviction notices you may be required to show as part of your homelessness application.
  • Example: If your landlord gave you a valid Section 21 or Section 8 notice, present a copy to the council.
  • Where to find: Check the notice you've received. Find official guidance on eviction notices.

If You Disagree With Council Decisions

If you think your council made the wrong decision about your homelessness application (for example, refusing help), you can formally request a review. The decision letter should explain how to do this.

• Submit your review request within 21 days.
• If still unhappy, you can appeal to the County Court in Wales, which handles appeals in housing and homelessness cases (not a separate tribunal in Wales).

If you're facing eviction, don't delay: speaking to your council or an advisor promptly gives you more options and time to find safe housing.

Additional Support Services for Homeless Tenants in Wales

Besides the local council, several national services can help:

• Shelter Cymru for free advice on homelessness and tenants' rights
• Welsh Government housing support guidance
• Citizens Advice Wales for practical help with housing emergencies

Having supportive organisations on your side can make a big difference as you navigate the process.

FAQs About Homelessness Support in Wales

1. Can I get council help before my eviction date?
   Yes, you have the right to ask your local council for help if you're at risk of homelessness within the next 56 days. Don't wait until you have left your home.
2. What counts as being 'threatened with homelessness'?
   If you have received a valid eviction notice or know you'll need to leave your accommodation within 56 days, you are considered threatened with homelessness in Wales.
3. Is there a specific tribunal for tenant disputes in Wales?
   In Wales, most tenancy and homelessness disputes are handled by the County Court, not a separate housing tribunal.
4. What if English isn’t my first language?
   Councils can arrange translation or interpretation services—let them know your requirements as early as possible.
5. What documents will I need for my homelessness application?
   It's helpful to provide proof of identity, your tenancy agreement, eviction notice, and any evidence showing why you cannot stay in your current accommodation.

Conclusion

• If you’re homeless or at risk, contact your local council immediately to start a homelessness application.
• Wales offers strong legal protections and duties to support people facing homelessness under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.
• Free, independent advice from services like Shelter Cymru can help you understand your rights and options.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Find your local council housing office
• Shelter Cymru: Homelessness Advice – Free, confidential support
• Citizens Advice Wales: Housing Help
• Welsh Government: Housing Help and Advice

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1. Housing (Wales) Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. Shelter Cymru – Homelessness advice
3. Government guide to eviction notices

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