TPAS Cymru work across Wales to ensure great tenant participation. It’s what we do and we are proud of that.
We do not provide individual tenant advice and housing support. However, there are good quality services across Wales that do provide the support and advice you need.
Firstly - What Type of Tenant are you?
Tenant of a Housing Association or Local Authority (Council)?
First – talk to your landlord
If you are a tenant of a Housing Association or Local Authority (Council house) it is advisable to first seek advice from your landlord through the usual channels. They'll usually be able to help you with your housing or tenancy query and often have dedicated teams to support you.
Need advice?
If you think you are at risk of eviction or unsure of you rights as a tenant, Shelter’s advice section offers the most comprehensive range of housing advice on a variety of housing and tenant issues in Wales. They have a wealth of resources and information available on their website as well as helpline to call, email support and a handy app. Learn more about the app by clicking on the box to the right.
Shelter also run many face to face sessions for you to discuss your issues with someone.Find out when Shelter are next in your area.
Got a complaint or feel you have been treated unfairly?
If you feel you have been unfairly treated, you may wish to contact thePublic Ombudsman for Wales. They deal with thousands of Welsh housing related issues and have helped many tenants get resolution to their complaints or issue.
Want to learn more about the Ombudsman and its role in housing? -why not read our simple guide
Are you a Tenant Renting in the Private Sector??
First – talk to your landlord
If you’re a tenant renting from a private landlord, its often helpful to first discuss your issues or concerns with your landlord through the usual channels. Good landlords do not want vacant properties and may be able to offer you options.
Need some specialist advice?
If you are at risk of eviction or want advice on your concerns, Shelter Cymru can help.
Shelter’s advice section have a detailed range of advice on a variety of housing and Welsh tenant issues. They have a wealth of resources and guides as well as telephone helpline, email support and a handy app.
Shelter also have face to face sessions with specialists discuss your issue with someone. This link explains when they are near you.https://sheltercymru.org.uk/get-advice/advice-near-you/
Got a complaint or feel you have been treated unfairly?
There are many options to get further support.
If you have a complaint about the standards of your housing such if you believe it is unfit for human habitation, noise, infestation, or safety then contact your Local Authority (local Council) who may be able to investigate and take action.
If you have a complaint about the Landlord’s behavior, contract terms etc then contact Rent Smart Wales and they might be able to help.
By law, all landlords in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales, and if they manage their own properties they must also have a license from Rent Smart Wales. The Welsh Government have introduced the registration and licensing scheme to ensure good standards of management for private rented properties. You should ask the landlord if they are licensed. You can check if your landlord is licensed, or the property you wish to rent is, via an online look-up tool on their website: https://www.rentsmart.gov.wales/en/check-register/
Renting through a letting agent? If you are renting through a letting agency, and feel you have been unfairly treated, you may wish to contact The Property Ombudsman (TPO). Free, impartial, and independent service for the resolution of unresolved disputes between consumers and property agents. https://www.tpos.co.uk/
At Risk of Homelessness?
Shelter can help. https://sheltercymru.org.uk/get-advice/homelessness/
The Wallich have an excellent webpage that explains some of the many support options available to you. https://thewallich.com/get-advice-homelessness/
Want to Get More Involved in Welsh Tenants' Rights and Issues?
Let Down Wales is the campaign for private rented sector reform in Wales. They are committed to pushing for better conditions and rights for Welsh tenants who rent from private landlords https://letdown.wales/
Tenant Pulse. Want to have your say about issues effecting Welsh housing policies and practices and its impact on Welsh tenants? Why not join Tenant Pulse, an online survey community run by TPAS Cymru. Tenant Pulse is supported by Welsh Government and enables us to gain tenants views heard at the heart of Welsh housing policy. Any type of Welsh tenant can join, and private renters are particularly encouraged. You will only be asked to fill in a questionnaire when you fit the profile (never more than once a month) and all feedback is treated confidentially.
We will never pass on your details to anyone. As a thank you, every survey you fill in and return you will be entered into a prize draw to win shopping vouchers. Join today atwww.tpas.cymru/pulse
Finally, if you have hade negative or positive experiences of Welsh housing and feel you want to contribute to making Welsh housing better, why not get in touch with TPAS Cymru to discuss how you can make a difference. There are many ways across Wales your voice and experience can help and we can help you find something that enables you to shine.