Where to Get Help After Eviction in Wales

If you’ve recently experienced eviction in Wales—whether by formal possession order or informal request—knowing where to turn for help is crucial. Facing homelessness or uncertainty about your next steps is stressful, but official support and legal protections are available to guide you towards safe housing and practical assistance.

What to Do Immediately After Being Evicted

As soon as you are made homeless or are told you must leave your property, you should contact your local council’s housing department. Under Welsh law, councils have a duty to help anyone facing or experiencing homelessness, and they must assess your situation and take reasonable steps to prevent or relieve homelessness.

• Homelessness: Help and Advice in Wales — Official Welsh Government portal
• Find your local council using the UK Government’s council locator

Your Rights Under Welsh Law

The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 sets out your rights to housing support, homeless prevention, and temporary accommodation. Councils must carry out an assessment regardless of your background, and in most cases, you’ll be offered a personal housing plan.

Accessing Emergency Accommodation

If you have nowhere safe to stay the night of your eviction, ask your council to provide emergency accommodation. Priority is given to those considered ‘in priority need’—this includes families with children, pregnant people, and those vulnerable due to age, disability or threat of violence. But even if you don't meet priority criteria, councils still must offer advice and may provide temporary shelter where possible.

What Official Forms Might You Need?

• Homelessness Application (No Standard Number): Councils do not use a one-size-fits-all form in Wales for homelessness. Instead, contact your council and ask to make a statutory homelessness application. The process usually begins with a telephone or in-person assessment.
  Example: If you have been served with a possession order and removed from your rented home, contact your council’s housing options team and request a homelessness assessment. They will help you complete their application and explain what evidence you’ll need (e.g., your eviction notice, ID, previous tenancy documents).
• N11 Notice of Intention to Defend Proceedings: If you believe your eviction (for example, a possession order by a landlord) was unlawful or there are errors in the process, you may challenge it in the County Court. For this, you may file an N11 Form.
  How it's used: Submit this form to the court within 14 days of receiving the claim to explain why you are defending the eviction. Official N11 Form and guidance.

For matters relating to private tenancies or disputes, the Rent Assessment Committee is part of the Residential Property Tribunal Wales, which oversees tenancy and housing issues in Wales.

Ongoing Practical and Legal Support

Getting support after eviction goes beyond initial emergency help. You may need longer-term legal advice, help appealing a council decision, or guidance in finding a new home. Here’s where to turn for ongoing assistance:

• Civil Legal Advice (CLA): You might qualify for free legal advice. Use the Civil Legal Advice service to check eligibility and get in touch.
• Disputing Council Homelessness Decisions: If your council rejects your application or offers unsuitable accommodation, you can request a review through their formal complaints process. Guidance is available on the Homelessness Help from Council page.

FAQ: Support After Eviction in Wales

1. What should I do first if I lose my home in Wales?
   Contact your local council’s housing department immediately to start a homelessness assessment. They can advise on your rights and help with emergency accommodation.
2. Will the council always house me straight away?
   Councils must assess all applications, but only those considered ‘in priority need’ are guaranteed emergency accommodation. Others will receive advice, and accommodation may still be offered where possible.
3. Can I appeal if the council refuses to help?
   Yes. If you disagree with a homelessness decision, you can request a formal review within 21 days. See the official process here.
4. Which official tribunal deals with tenancy issues in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales oversees housing disputes including rent and eviction matters.
5. What legislation protects renters’ rights after eviction in Wales?
   Your rights are set out mainly in the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and related regulations.

Key Takeaways

• Contact your local council immediately for homelessness support—they are legally required to assess your case.
• Emergency accommodation is available for those in priority need, but advice and support are offered to everyone.
• Use official forms (such as the N11) if you wish to challenge an eviction in court or submit a homelessness application via your council.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Homelessness Help and Advice
• Find Your Local Council (for emergency housing and assessments)
• Citizens Advice Cymru: Housing Advice (free, confidential support)
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales
• Civil Legal Advice (CLA) (for free legal help if eligible)

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1. Housing (Wales) Act 2014
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales
3. N11 Defence Form (Possession Claims)
4. Welsh Government: Homelessness Help and Advice

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