Finding a suitable place to live will be one of your main concerns upon your arrival in Wales. Housing is a devolved issue which means that the Welsh Government is responsible for this issue in Wales.
This section of the website explains the Housing system in Wales and who can receive support.
The cost and availability of housing differs across Wales. The cost of accommodation is likely be one of the major costs to you each month.
Your right to housing will depend on what immigration status you have. You will need to contact your local authority to find out what you may be eligible to receive help with.
Many EU citizens living here by 31 December 2020 will continue to qualify for benefits and homeless help from the council.
But you won't usually be able to get help if you came to live in the UK after 31 December 2020 unless you're an Irish citizen or have settled status.
The council will check you meet the conditions for help. This is sometimes called being 'eligible for assistance'.
If you aren’t eligible for housing from the council you may be able to rent from a private landlord. In an emergency, you may be able to get accommodation from social services if you have social care needs, children or if you are fleeing domestic violence. In any other case you may be able to get help from a charity if you are homeless and destitute.
If you rent a property, you will have a landlord. Landlords have a legal duty to provide you with written details of your rights and responsibilities. This will include details about rent, when you can be required to leave the property and responsibilities for repairs to the building. This is usually in the terms of your tenancy agreement, - this is a legal agreement between you and the Landlord.
Find out more about renting a property.
At the moment, there is no legal obligation for a Landlord in Wales to check the immigration status of prospective tenants as the legislation has yet to be implemented in Wales.
Other emergency options
You may be able to stay in a:
You usually need to be able to claim benefits in the UK to stay in a hostel for homeless people. Bed and breakfasts may ask for cash up front.
If you have nowhere to sleep tonight, contact your Local Authority's Housing Options Service. All Housing Options have an out of hours service.
If you're a woman experiencing domestic abuse, you may be able to find a refuge space.
Every Local Authority must provide free advice and information about housing to everyone in their area. This is for people who are at risk or to help you find accommodation if you are actually homeless. This is to help prevent people becoming homeless. If you are at risk, or help you find accommodation if you are actually homeless. This right is for everyone, regardless of immigration status or right to live in the UK. The Local Authority must make sure that people leaving hospital or council care have access to this advice and information.
You can also seek advice from Shelter and Citizens Advice.