Various housing issues

Renting your home

You may already be renting and are looking to move somewhere new, or perhaps you’re considering renting a property for the first time. Our following factsheets have useful information on this topic. We also have a factsheet with information if you're threatened with eviction. We have titles which cover both private renting issues and renting from a community landlord (local authority or housing association provider):

Factsheet 8w: Community landlord housing in Wales – local authority or housing association homes

Factsheet 63w: Finding private rented accommodation in Wales

Factsheet 35w: Renting your home in Wales – rights or problems regarding your rent

Factsheet 68w: Renting your home in Wales – rights if you are threatened with eviction

Factsheet 67w: Home improvements and repairs for older people in Wales

Park homes

Park homes, also known as mobile homes, are single-storey houses that can be moved from place to place. They are installed on park home sites. Buying a park home can be an affordable way of living in an area you like. However, it’s important to understand the legal and financial implications of buying one. You’ll own the home itself, but pay rent to the site owner for your pitch (a ‘pitch fee’) and there may be resale fees if you decide to sell up in the future.

Other important things to check include:

• Does the site have a residential licence and can you live there all year round?
• What are the energy supply arrangements? Some park homes can be expensive to heat and you may have to buy your energy from the site owners.
• Is there a site manager to deal with day-to-day problems? Do they live on site?
• Is the site well maintained? Check the roads, lighting and pathways.
• Is there an active Residents’ Association representing residents’ views and ensuring their problems are addressed?

For further information, you can download our factsheet:

Factsheet 71: Park homes

Homelessness

Homelessness doesn't just mean sleeping on the streets – as well as being homeless if you have nowhere to stay, you can also be considered homeless if it's not reasonable for you to remain in your accommodation. That might mean:

• you're staying with friends or family on a temporary basis
• your home is in a very poor condition
• your home is no longer suitable for you because of a disability or illness.

Homelessness is often caused by a tenancy ending, a relationship breaking down, or friends or family asking you to leave. In all cases, it's best to seek advice as soon as you can. Our factsheet has further information on this issue. You could also contact the charity, Shelter Cymru.

Factsheet 89w: Dealing with homelessness in Wales

Shelter Cymru

Neighbour disputes / anti-social behaviour

Although we would all like to get along well with our neighbours, sometimes we may face problems with noise, planning disputes, or anti-social behaviour. Find out more about what to do and what rights you have in our factsheet on this topic:

Factsheet 9w: Housing in Wales – anti-social behaviour and other neighbourhood issues