Living Merthyr Tydfil

You may wish to consider the following before you decide whether or not you can afford a tenancy or to think about what you will need to consider before you commit to a tenancy. If you want to know more information click on the logos at the bottom of the page to be taken to the relevant website (these all open in a new window).

 

Have you worked out your budget?

You need to fully understand your income in order to plan for the costs involved in furnishing, running and maintaining your home. If you have never budgeted you can attend the Town Centre Hub for advice on setting an affordable budget.

 Shelter Cymru provide an online budget planner which is useful for you to understand your income and expenditure. You can also speak to your friends and family for advice and can be found here - Budget Planner | Free online budget planning tool | MoneyHelper

 

Do you know the cost of running your home?

If you have never had your own home you may not be aware of what you need to pay for. Most properties allocated through Living Merthyr Tydfil are completely unfurnished and you may need to buy some or all of the following:

• Fridge/Freezer
• Cooker
• Sofa
• Washing Machine
• Floor Coverings
• Window Coverings
• Towels
• Beds/Bedding
• Dining Table/Chairs
• Storage Furniture

 

You may be able to buy some of the furniture or white goods you need at second hand shops and charity shops. We would not recommend that you purchase these via hire purchase companies as you may end up paying more than the item is worth. If you are on certain welfare benefits you may also be able to apply for help to pay for some of these goods. 

You also need to ensure you can afford the day to day running costs of a property these will include:

• Council Tax
• Water Rates
• Gas/Electricity
• TV Licence
• Food

You may have other costs to pay for such as phone costs, credit card bills, travel costs, clothing and other living costs. It is therefore vital you understand your income and expenditure so that you do not get into debt.

It is important to be realistic about your income and what you can afford otherwise this may place you at risk of not being able to afford your home and you could lose this accommodation.

 

Do you have to pay rent in advance?

You do not have to pay a deposit or rent in advance for a Housing Association property. However, you typically do need to pay this to secure a private rented property.

You may be entitled to some assistance from benefits for your rent, to check if you are entitled to and an estimate of your entitlement please visit - Search for Local Housing Allowance rates by postcode or local authority : DirectGov - LHA Rates (voa.gov.uk)

For further advice on what benefits you maybe entitled to you can visit - Benefits Calculator - entitledto - independent | accurate | reliable  or if you require support and advice in person you can attend a "Drop in" at the Town Centre Hub with the Welfare Benefits Officer Mondays 10am-5pm & Wednesdays 9am-5pm. 3 Newmarket Walk, 01685 725455.

 

Additional support

You may be entitled to some assistance if you have had to move urgently and not had time to save for essential household items and you are eligible you can put in an application for a Discretionary Assitance Fund here - Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) | GOV.WALES