If you are experiencing difficulties that may lead to you losing your home, it is important that you seek advice as early as possible. The sooner you contact us, the more options may be available to help you remain in your accommodation or secure alternative housing.

Contact the Housing Solutions Team

The Housing Solutions Team is based at the Civic Centre, Merthyr Tydfil.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm
  • Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm

Telephone: 01685 725000
Email: Housing@merthyr.gov.uk

Out of Hours (Homelessness Emergencies Only): 01685 385231

When Should I Contact Housing Solutions?

You should contact the Housing Solutions Team immediately if:

  • You have received notice from your landlord requiring you to leave.
  • You are homeless or have nowhere safe to stay.
  • You have received a possession notice from your landlord.
  • You are experiencing rent arrears or financial difficulties that may affect your tenancy.
  • You are experiencing relationship breakdown, domestic abuse, harassment, or other circumstances that place your accommodation at risk.
  • You have been asked to leave by family or friends.
  • You are concerned about your ability to remain in your current home.

Renting from a Private Landlord in Wales

If you rent from a private landlord, it is important to understand that receiving a notice does not necessarily mean you must leave immediately.

Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords must follow the correct legal process before requiring an occupant to leave their home.

Common notices include:

RHW16 Notice (No Fault Possession Notice)

An RHW16 notice may be served where a landlord wishes to end an occupation contract without relying on a breach by the contract-holder, for example where they intend to sell the property.

RHW20 Notice (Serious Rent Arrears)

An RHW20 notice may be served where serious rent arrears have accrued. If you receive this notice, you should seek housing advice immediately, as there may still be options available to sustain your tenancy and prevent homelessness.

Court Proceedings

In most circumstances, a landlord cannot lawfully evict you without following the correct legal process. If court proceedings have been issued or you have received a possession order, you should contact Housing Solutions immediately.

What Help Can Housing Solutions Provide?

Homelessness prevention and relief services are available under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 for households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.

Depending on your circumstances, support may include:

  • Advice and guidance on your housing options.
  • Assistance to help you remain in your current accommodation.
  • Negotiation and mediation with landlords, family members, or other parties where appropriate.
  • Support to secure alternative accommodation.
  • Assistance to access private rented accommodation.
  • Referrals to support services.
  • Help with applications, forms, and housing referrals.
  • Advice regarding welfare benefits and financial support.
  • Financial assistance where funding and eligibility criteria permit.

Homelessness Prevention Payment

The Council may be able to provide a Homelessness Prevention Payment to help prevent or relieve homelessness.

This discretionary funding may be available where it will help you secure or maintain accommodation and may include:

  • Rent in advance or tenancy deposits.
  • Assistance with rent arrears where appropriate.
  • Support to help sustain an existing tenancy.
  • Assistance to secure alternative accommodation.
  • Other reasonable measures that help prevent homelessness.

Any award is subject to an assessment of your circumstances, eligibility, available funding, and whether the assistance is likely to prevent or relieve homelessness.

Working Together

The best outcomes are achieved when we work together.

Housing legislation places responsibilities on both the Council and the applicant. You will be expected to engage with your Housing Solutions Officer and take reasonable steps to help resolve your housing situation. In return, the Council will work with you to identify and pursue realistic housing solutions.

Will I Be Provided with Temporary Accommodation?

If you are homeless and the Council has reason to believe you may have a priority need, we may have a duty to secure temporary accommodation while further enquiries are carried out.

Priority need may include:

  • Households with dependent children.
  • Pregnant women.
  • People who are vulnerable due to age, disability, illness, or other special circumstances.
  • Applicants fleeing domestic abuse or other forms of violence.

Each application will be assessed on its individual circumstances.

Will I Be Offered Social Housing Through Living Merthyr Tydfil?

There is no automatic entitlement to social housing, even if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness.

Merthyr Tydfil has a high demand for social housing and a limited supply of available properties. As a result, many applicants experience significant waiting times.

Following an assessment, some households may qualify for additional priority on the Living Merthyr Tydfil Housing Register. Any priority awarded will depend on your circumstances, supporting evidence, and the Allocations Policy.

Housing Solutions will explore all suitable housing options with you, including:

  • Social housing through Living Merthyr Tydfil.
  • Private rented accommodation.
  • Supported accommodation where appropriate.
  • Other housing solutions tailored to your circumstances.

The Most Important Thing

Do not wait until you have lost your home.

If you are worried about your housing situation, have received notice from your landlord, or believe you may become homeless within the next six months, contact the Housing Solutions Team as soon as possible. Early intervention often provides the greatest opportunity to prevent homelessness and achieve a positive housing outcome.