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Shared accommodation, also known as flat share or house share, involves two or more people living together in a property, typically sharing communal areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Mae llety a rennir, a elwir hefyd yn gyfran fflat neu gyfran tŷ, yn cynnwys dau neu fwy o bobl yn byw gyda'i gilydd mewn eiddo, yn nodweddiadol yn rhannu ardaloedd cymunedol fel ceginau ac ystafelloedd ymolchi

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Social housing is lower-cost rented housing provided by landlords registered with the Regulator of Social Housing, known as social landlords.

Mae tai cymdeithasol yn dai ar rent cost is a ddarperir gan landlordiaid sydd wedi'u cofrestru gyda rheolydd tai cymdeithasol, a elwir yn landlordiaid cymdeithasol.

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A Private Tenant is when you rent your home from a private landlord (who is not council or social housing)

Tenant preifat yw pan fyddwch chi'n rhentu'ch cartref gan landlord preifat (nad yw'n gyngor nac yn dai cymdeithasol)

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Who do I need to tell when I move house?/ Pwy mae angen i fi ddweud wrthyn nhw pan fydda i’n symud tŷ?

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Who do I need to tell when I move house?/ Pwy mae angen i fi ddweud wrthyn nhw pan fydda i’n symud tŷ?

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Essential support for under 25s

Moving house can be exciting until you realise you haven't had any post for two weeks and you're still paying the water bill for your old place. So we've put together a handy moving home checklist to make sure you notify all the necessary people. Including your grandma.

Utilities and services

All the boring bills, basically. Cancel your old ones and set up your new ones:

Water.

Gas.

Electric.

Phones (landline and mobile - your mobile company will just need to know your change of address).

Internet.

Cable/satellite TV provider.

TV licence.

Council tax.

Post Office. You can apply to have your post redirected, but it will cost you. It may seem like a pain but it'll be worth it for the first few weeks while companies and your grandma still haven't switched to your new address.

Finance

Money, money, money. These people will all need to know your change of address:

Banks.

Building societies.

Other savings accounts (e.g. NS&I).

Credit card companies.

Student Loans Company.

Electoral register (so you can vote!).

Employer.

Insurance companies (phone, house, pet...).

HMRC (for tax and National Insurance, benefits, pension...).

Private pensions.

Health

If you're moving to a totally new area, register with the following as soon as possible. You don't want to be caught short with a bout of cystitis:

Others

DVLA (for your driving license, although you may need to tell the car registration and insurance people too).

Loyalty cards (for those all important Tesco Clubcard points).

Subscriptions (do people still get magazine subscriptions?).

Library.

School, college, university.

Friends and family! (Including your grandma.)

So do I tell all these people before I've moved or after?

To be safe, it's best to let people know as early as a month before you move as it could take a while for any admin changes. If you are too early then at least you'll be told when to get back in touch, or they can log you on the system. There's no harm in being super prepared!

Make sure you note down details of any phone calls or emails for proof of contact, just in case something goes wrong.

But tell your grandma first. Write her a letter, go on.

Next Steps

Chat about this subject on our Discussion Boards.

Need help but confused where to go locally? Download our StepFinder iPhone app to find local support services quickly.

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Who do I need to tell when I move house? - The Mix

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There are quite a few people to notify when you move house, so we've laid them out in a handy list. Put a day aside to work through them.

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Information on Types of Evictions/ Gwybodaeth am fathau o droi allan:

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Information on Types of Evictions/ Gwybodaeth am fathau o droi allan:

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Check what you can do if your landlord is trying to evict you. Check the process your landlord has to follow.

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A landlord is the owner of a property, such as a house, apartment, or land, who rents or leases it to another party, typically called a tenant.

Mae landlord yn berchennog eiddo, fel tŷ, fflat, neu dir, sy'n ei rentu neu'n ei brydlesu i barti arall, a elwir yn fel arfer yn denant.

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Get help if you're being evicted/ Cael help os wyt ti’n cael dy droi allan

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Get help if you're being evicted/ Cael help os wyt ti’n cael dy droi allan

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If you're about to be evicted from your home, you might be able to get help from your local council.

You can only be evicted if your landlord has followed the proper steps. They must:

1. Give you a valid section 21 or section 8 notice

2. Get a possession order from court if you haven't left by the date on the section 21 or section 8 notice

3. Ask the court for a warrant of possession if you haven't left by the date on the possession order

4. Get an eviction warrant from the court - this means bailiffs can make you leave your home

If your landlord hasn't gone to court yet, it's worth checking your section 21 notice or checking your section 8 notice first to make sure it's valid.

If your section 21 or section 8 notice isn't valid, you might be able to challenge the eviction and stay in your home.

If you have nowhere to stay tonight

You might be able to find emergency housing if you're already homeless.

Your local council might be able help you find a place in a local hostel, night shelter or bed and breakfast, for example.

Contact your local council to find out what help you might be able to get.

Check if your local council has to help you

Your local council has a duty to assess your case if all of these apply:

you've applied for accommodation or help in keeping or getting accommodation

you're homeless or you'll be made homeless within 56 days

If you'll be made homeless in the next 56 days and are eligible for help, your local council must help you:

keep your accommodation

get suitable accommodation

Check if you're eligible for help with homelessness.

If after 56 days or if your local council has done all it can to help you get accommodation, they'll look at 5 legal tests. These tests decide if you:

are eligible for help

are homeless or will be made homeless within 56 days

are in priority need for accommodation

are intentionally homeless - for example, if you were evicted because you didn't pay rent - in some cases they'll decide if you are, check with your local council if you're not sure

have a local connection - for example, you've lived or worked in the area

You might also be in priority need if you're disabled or have a long-term illness and being evicted could make your condition worse.

It can be difficult to prove to your local council that they have to help you. Get help from your nearest Citizens Advice - they can tell you what to say.

If your council doesn't have to offer you housing

Your local council might help you in other ways. If you're homeless they can give you help to find a new home. If you're going to become homeless they can try to help you stay in your home.

The help you can get depends on your situation. This could include:

advice on how to find a home

getting help to pay for the deposit for a new home

help to pay your rent in advance if you find a new home

help with moving costs

If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to help pay your rent, your local council might also be able to find a private landlord who accepts tenants on benefits.

It's also worth looking at other ways of finding somewhere else to live. For example, joining the housing register and applying to local housing associations.

Read more about finding a new home to rent.

Make a homeless application

You should speak to your local council as soon as you know you're going to be homeless.

There isn't a set time to get a decision from the council - they should try to deal with your case without causing an unreasonable delay. They might have to find you a temporary place to live while they make a decision.

You can find your local council's contact details on GOV.UK.

If the council thinks you're going to be made homeless within 56 days (8 weeks), they must try to find you somewhere else to live.

The council might:

try to negotiate with your current landlord so you can stay

pay for your deposit

give you contact details of landlords or agents who might have available properties

help you with a benefits claim so you can afford rent

It's worth going to your local council office as soon as it opens. The housing officer will be able to give you advice and answer any questions you have.

You should take:

proof of your identity, for example your passport

your tenancy agreement, if you have one

evidence of why you have to leave your home, for example an eviction notice

someone with you if you want to, like a friend or family member to support you and take notes

Talking to a housing officer

Tell the housing officer about your situation and why you're being made homeless.

The housing officer should explain the application process to you. They'll look at your situation and decide whether they can help you. This could be help finding somewhere to live or advice about your other options.

The housing officer will look at things like:

if you're in priority need, for example if you're considered vulnerable because you're disabled or have a long-term illness

if you're eligible for help, for example if you live permanently in the UK

the reason you're homeless

if you're about to be homeless, for example if your landlord has given you a valid section 21 notice

if you're already homeless, for example if you're staying at a friend's house because you've been evicted

You can ask the housing officer for confirmation in writing that your application is being processed. If your council won't help you, ask them to confirm this in writing - and get their reasons why.

Getting a decision from your local council

Your local council will look at your situation and decide whether to find you somewhere to live.

You should get a letter telling you the council's decision.

If your local council can help you, you'll usually be given short-term housing until a suitable home is available. Your local council could also help you find a privately rented home where you'll be able to stay for at least 6 months.

Your local council might be able to find you emergency housing even if they can't find you a long-term place to live.

If your local council can't help you

If you disagree with your local council's decision, you can ask them to review it. You'll have 21 days from the date of the decision to request a review.

Your local council has to give you advice on how to find a new home even if they can't help you get one, for example the details of letting agents and hostels. The advice you'll get depends on your situation and why your council can't help you find somewhere else to live.

Contact your nearest Citizens Advice if you want to challenge your local council's decision.

Check if you can get extra money

You might be able to get extra money if you need help finding somewhere to live.

Check if you can get:

Make sure you get your tenancy deposit back

Don't forget to get your tenancy deposit back from your landlord after you move out. Read more about getting your tenancy deposit back.

Contact your nearest Citizens Advice if you need help with the cost of finding somewhere to live.

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If you're about to be evicted from your home, you might be able to get help from your local council. You can only be evicted if your landlord has followed the proper steps.

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If you fall behind with your rent, or your landlord believes you or someone else in your household has been acting in an anti-social way, you are at risk of being evicted.

There are things you can do to try and stop the eviction, but you must act quickly.

Always speak to your landlord first. You might be able to come to an agreement about repaying your rent, or perhaps agree a mediation session to sort out any problems you are having with neighbours.

If your rent arrears are a result of a delay in your benefit claim your landlord might be able to help get things sorted for you.

If your housing benefit or universal credit housing costs do not cover all of your rent, you may be able to apply for a discretionary housing payment from the council.

For lots of ideas about what other things you can do to try and avoid being evicted, click here.

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If you fall behind with your rent, or your landlord believes you or someone else in your household has been acting in an anti-social way, you are at risk of being evicted. There are things you can do to try and stop the eviction, but you must act quickly.

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Landlords- Public Register register/ Landlordiaid- Cofrestr Gyhoeddus

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Landlords- Public Register register/ Landlordiaid- Cofrestr Gyhoeddus

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Landlords and agents have obligations to tenants when they rent out property, but as a tenant you also have rights and responsibilities

Mae rhwymedigaethau ar landlordiaid ac asiantau i denantiaid pan fyddant yn rhentu eiddo, ond fel tenant mae gennych chi hawliau a chyfrifoldebau hefyd.

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The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 states in Schedule 1 what information must be provided about a registered landlord, property or licensed landlord or agent if a request is made to the Licensing Authority.

Use the search below to find out information on the public register.
Please note: this search and the results presented are on all property addresses within Wales which have a postal address. Therefore finding the address is no indication that the property is, or has ever been, rented.
If you have been shown a licence card and are unsure if it is genuine, click here to compare with an original template. If you still think the licence card you have been shown is not genuine, please contact Rent Smart Wales.

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The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 states in Schedule 1 what information must be provided about a registered landlord, property or licensed landlord or agent if a request is made to the Licensing Authority. Use the search below to find out information on the public register.

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If you rent your home from a social housing landlord, they're responsible for dealing with most repair problems - check what repairs they have to do. However, as a tenant, you also have some responsibilities to keep your home in a good state of repair.

This page tells you what your main responsibilities are.

What are you responsible for?

As tenant, you're responsible for:

looking after your home by using it in a 'tenant like' way,

telling your landlord about the repairs that are needed,

providing access to have any repair work done, and

having a duty of care to your visitors.

Looking after your home

The law implies a condition into every tenancy agreement that the tenant must use their home in a 'tenant-like' way. This applies whether you have a written or an oral tenancy agreement.

Using your home in a tenant-like way generally means:

doing minor repairs yourself, such as changing fuses and light bulbs

keeping your home reasonably clean

not causing any damage to the property and making sure your visitors don't cause any damage

using any fixtures and fittings properly, for example, not blocking a toilet by flushing something unsuitable down it.

Your tenancy agreement may also set out some express terms on what your responsibilities are for repairs, for example, that you are responsible for decorating your home.

Your landlord cannot include a term in your agreement that would pass on any of their repair responsibilities to you, for example, that you are responsible for repairs to the roof. This type of term would not have any force in law.

Reporting repairs to your landlord

In most cases, your landlord isn't responsible for repair work until they know about it, so it's up to you to tell them about any repairs that are needed.

Reporting repairs is often a condition of your tenancy agreement, so you may have to report any problems even if they seem quite small or if you're not too concerned about getting them fixed.

Providing access to have repair work done

Most tenancy agreements include a term that says you must give access for repair work and will list what repairs your landlord is responsible for. If you have a written or verbal tenancy agreement - there's a general understanding landlords or their agents are allowed access to see repair work.

You should get at least 24 hours notice before a visit and be offered a reasonable time of day, for example between 8am and 6pm. You might be able to agree a more suitable time with your landlord. Check your tenancy agreement, it might say you're allowed more than 24 hours notice.

You can refuse access to your home. Your landlord or their agent can't enter without your permission. If you refuse access you might break the term of your written or verbal tenancy agreement. Breaking a term won't automatically cancel your agreement, but your landlord might be able to get a court order that says you have to give access. Your landlord might not be successful - it's a judge that decides if a request for access is reasonable.

Your landlord can also ask the court for possession of the property if they think you have broken a term of the tenancy agreement. If your landlord wants to end your tenancy for this reason, they'll need to serve you written notice and persuade a court it's reasonable to evict you.

If there's an emergency and your landlord can't get hold of you, they can force entry if they need to get into your home. For example, a burst pipe in your flat is causing water to leak into the flat below. However, if your landlord does break into your home to deal with an emergency repair, they have to repair any damage caused.

If the repair work is to a communal area such as an entrance hall, your landlord doesn't have to give you notice to do the work.

Duty of care to your visitors

You have a duty of care to your visitors to ensure that they and their belongings are reasonably safe when in your home. This only applies if you invited or allowed the visitor into your home.

Your own appliances and installations

You're responsible for repairing any of your own appliances such as a washing machine, or anything that you had installed, such as a shower.

If your landlord supplied any electrical appliances, they are responsible for maintaining them and your tenancy agreement may give more information about this.

Your landlord is also responsible for ensuring that any gas appliances which they supplied are safe, for example, a fitted gas fire.

What happens if you or a visitor causes damage to your home?

If you or someone visiting your home accidentally or deliberately causes damage, you'll be responsible for repairing it. You should tell your landlord about the repair work needed. They may agree to do the work themselves and then recharge the cost to you, or they may agree to you fixing it yourself.

What if your landlord doesn't do anything about the repairs?

If your landlord doesn't do anything after you report the repair, you may decide to take other action.

Next steps

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Repairs - what are the tenant's responsibilities?

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If you rent your home from a social housing landlord, they're responsible for dealing with most repair problems - check what repairs they have to do. However, as a tenant, you also have some responsibilities to keep your home in a good state of repair. This page tells you what your main responsibilities are.

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Author Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art Of Decluttering And Organising is an international bestseller. Her meticulous yet relaxed approach to tidying is definitely the way forward, and these are just a few of her best tips:

1. Never keep anything you don't use or love. Be ruthless! Tackle your home one room at a time. Examine each item you own and decide whether you want to keep it.

2. Tidy as quickly as possible in one go.

3. Don't keep things at your parents' home!

4. Don't scatter storage spaces - store items of the same type in the same place.

Decluttering must-haves

1. Square containers that fit inside cupboards. That way I can keep my bottles and accessories together.

2. Shoe boxes!

Life changer

People who've read my book The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying tell me they've done just that - all because a complete clear-out changed their way of thinking. I now fold as many clothes as possible and store them neatly on shelves. You can fit 20 to 40 pieces of folded clothing in the space required to hang 10. Fold each item into a neat rectangle and stand rather than laying flat. This way, you can see garments at a glance, like the spines of a book on a bookshelf.

You can buy Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organising at Amazon.

Like this? You'll love:
15 genius ways to organise your clothes
Declutter your home in 4 easy steps
More expert decluttering ideas

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

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Top tips on decluttering your home from Marie Kondo

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Author Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art Of Decluttering And Organising is an international bestseller. Her meticulous yet relaxed approach to tidying is definitely the way forward, and these are just a few of her best tips: 1. Never keep anything you don't use or love.

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Making the most of space/ Gwneud yn fawr o’r lle

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Making the most of space/ Gwneud yn fawr o’r lle

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Either the UK is shrinking, or families are growing much larger (I doubt it) or maybe houses in the UK are getting smaller? Do we need more space to live our lives and be happy and content?

If your average household income won't stretch to an extension, how on earth can we create more room in our house or apartment, but for less money?

Here is how to make your small house larger, without the use of magic
It's a bit of a paradox really isn't it?
Not everyone dreams of chocolate box homes like the one in the photo* but nevertheless, we all need a bit of space if we are to live our lives happily, and co exist with other family members or flatmates etc, so how do we do it?

You do not have to carry out a complete home makeover, nor do you have to pretend that you are some interior designer, these tips just take a bit of effort on your part, but the results will be dramatic!

The first thing you need to do though is to appraise what you are living in just now.

What I mean by that is to take a good look around the house, maybe even with a bit of paper and a pen, and just take some simple notes about your first impressions on where you are with the place now, and then stick the list on a fridge or something so it is easy to refer to.

Tip one: Make a plan and stick to it!

If you make a simple plan, the rest will be that much easier.

I say that because it is well known that if you have, for example, a cluttered home, then a good chance your mind will be all of a muddle too, and you may not actually be thinking as clearly as perhaps you could, so map out what you are going to do, and here's a few tips to get you started.

So with your plan mapped out and written down, you know what you have got to do, so let's get and do it then shall we?

Tip two: Start by cleaning up and de-cluttering.

I know we are talking about increasing the size of your home, or at least making more space, so why am I saying to clear up and clean up?

Take a look around.

If there are things on the floor, like a stack of magazines that you KNOW you are not going to read ever again, why are they there? Can you not bear to chuck anything out and are you a secret hoarder?

GET RID OF THEM!

Things like this take up valuable space in your house so why live around stuff that really is not needed? Once you throw them away you will see you now have more room where the magazines are.
Rinse and repeat as the saying goes!
Go around all rooms in your home and get rid of things that you really do not need and are never going to need.

I live with someone who is a self confessed hoarder and believe me it can cause friction, so if your other half will not allow you to chuck it out then you need to find STORAGE.

Put stuff into boxes and stick it in the loft, the garage or find unused space in the home such as the back of a closet or under the beds.

This also includes old clothes, and you can do your bit for your local community and take them down to your local charity shop, but make sure they are clean first.

Tip three: Light and more light.

One of the key ways to make a small home look much bigger is to paint the walls in a lighter colour, especially in enclosed areas like hallways, toilets and box rooms.

Some of the best colour combinations that can be used are colours such as icy blues and creamy shades which are great for making a small room look bigger to the eye.

This also has an effect on the light coming into the room, making it look and feel bigger still.

If it is something other than a bedroom, for example a study, look to changing the door for one with frosted glass in.

Tip four: Get your daily mirror.

A mirror can, if correctly placed, make a room look MUCH bigger, and this is something people have used for many years.

Of course it is a trick of the light, but I assure you, this works, ask any estate agent, interior designer or realtor.

You do not have to necessarily be a particularly vain or shallow person to enjoy having mirrors around the house, especially if it makes the place look bigger!

They of course need to be firmly affixed to the wall by someone who knows what they are doing as the last thing you want is for a heavy mirror to fall off the wall, and especially fall onto someone.

It doesn't bear thinking about, along with the risk of you getting 7 years bad luck into the bargain!

Mirrors are often found in hallways too, and that is for a couple of reasons, one being of course hallways are often dark and windowless so it will reflect the light better.

Plus there is a tradition handed down from Victorian "polite" society that your mirror was near your front door and you checked your appearance before exiting the house!

Tip Five: Re-arrange the furniture.

You may be surprised how something as utterly simple and obvious as moving furniture around can make your house look a heck of a lot bigger!

There may be items of furniture that you simply don't need or use any more, like an old desk or a bed, so why are they still there?

Once again, various charity shops also deal in furniture and provided it is at least in fairly good condition, they will arrange to collect it for free!

If you have a dining room table in the middle of a fairly small room, and only you the wife ever use it, why not move it up against the wall and only bring it back out when guests come to eat?

If your lounge has a sofa set away from the wall, that's a heck of a lot of room behind the sofa not being used so move it back against the wall to create a much bigger looking room.

In smaller rooms use shelving to lift off stuff that would normally be on the floor, and look for alcoves in older houses, often under-used, and can be made into shelves themselves.

Whatever you do, and I hope this information does help you, and you do something about your home, to give you more room, more light, more space, in fact space to think (!), for little or no money.

Let me know how you get on.

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How to maximise living space in small houses, on a budget | Never Paint Again

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Either the UK is shrinking, or families are growing much larger (I doubt it) or maybe houses in the UK are getting smaller? Do we need more space to live our lives and be happy and content?

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How to unclog a drain/ Sut mae dadflocio draen

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How to unclog a drain/ Sut mae dadflocio draen

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How To Unclog Your Kitchen (Sink) With Baking Soda And Vinegar. It Works!

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Cleaning your home before moving out/ Glanhau dy gartref cyn symud allan

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Cleaning your home before moving out/ Glanhau dy gartref cyn symud allan

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To make sure you get your deposit back. Take time to look at these cleaning tips/
I wneud yn siŵr dy fod ti’n cael dy flaendal yn ôl, edrych ar y cynghorion glanhau yma

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We independently select these products-if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

The last thing you want to do before you leave one home to start another is clean out the old place. But alas, it must be done, so just throw on some tunes, grin and bear it. If your place is just surface dirty and not damaged, how well you clean could be the difference between getting back your deposit money that has been held hostage for years or not. So here is a checklist of things not to forget as you prepare your home for its next inhabitants.

Take all nails and screws out of the walls and ceiling and putty them smoothly.

Dust the ceiling fixtures.

Dust all ledges.

Clean the windows.

Clean the door knobs and doors.

Clean all light switches and outlets.

Clean the walls and baseboards.

Vacuum (get any stains out of the carpet, or get the carpet professionally cleaned).

Get rid of all cobwebs.

Get soap scum off the bathroom tiles and tub/shower and bleach the grout.

Clean out the bathroom drawers and vanity, making sure you get all the hair out (and remove any liners).

Clean the toilet, sink, countertop and finally the floor (sweep and mop). If the toilet seat is unsavory looking, replace it.

Clean the mirror.

Vacuum out the surface of the exhaust fan if super dusty.

Clean out all cabinets and liners.

Wash the front of the cabinets.

Clean and disinfect all countertops.

Clean and shine up the sink and faucet.

Scrub the refrigerator inside and out. Remove all shelves and clean separately if necessary.

Scrub the oven inside and out. Remove shelving, drip pans and burners. Use steel wool, it is your friend.

Clean out the dishwasher if you have one.

Clean exhaust fan if needed.

Remove all appliances and sweep behind them.

Cut the grass.

Pull the weeds.

Remove all of your stuff that might be stuck in the ground or hanging in trees.

I recently quickly scrubbed the porch stairs to remove all of the grass stains - it looked a million times better

And the last thing you should do is mop from the furthest point out to the door. Say goodbye, lock it up and go get a drink!

Or if you can splurge on a move-out cleaner, then just forget this whole list. For me, I recently saved clean out money to help pay for movers. Good luck!

Alysha is a photographer and designer living in Seattle who loves dark chocolate, tea, and all things furry. In her spare time you'll find her with paint in her hair renovating her 1919 Craftsman and sharing the process on her blog Old House New Tricks.

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Get Your Deposit Back: A Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

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The last thing you want to do before you leave one home to start another is clean out the old place. But alas, it must be done, so just throw on some tunes, grin and bear it.

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You've got the keys. So now you need to move. Top moving house checklist tips including cleaning, utility bills, removal companies and redirecting mail.

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Local Neighbourhood- Crime/ Y Gymdogaeth Leol – Troseddu

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Local Neighbourhood- Crime/ Y Gymdogaeth Leol – Troseddu

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Find your postcode and get information on your local area

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View the latest crime, house prices, population, housing, gender, marital status, ethnicity, religion, health and employment information in your area

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Letting Agent fees/ Ffïoedd Asiant Gosod

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Letting Agent fees/ Ffïoedd Asiant Gosod

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Changes to tenancy agreement fees from 1 September

If you rent your home from a private landlord or letting agent, there are certain fees you do not have to pay. If your landlord or letting agent charge you for these fees, they are breaking the law and will be fined.

If your tenancy agreement started before 1 September 2019

If your current tenancy started or was signed before 1 September 2019, you will need to continue to pay the fees in this tenancy.

If your tenancy agreement starts after 1 September 2019

If you agreed a tenancy agreement after 1 September 2019, there are certain fees that you will not have to pay.

Fees you will not have to pay

signing a contract tenancy agreement

renewing a tenancy agreement

requesting a check list about the condition of the property and items within it before you move in (known as an inventory fee)

accompanied viewings

fees when you move in (known as check in fees)

fees when you move out (known as check out fees)

administration fees

fees to reserve a property (known as holding fees)

inspection fees when moving out

Payments you have to pay

rent

security deposits (if required)

holding deposits to reserve a property (if required). This is refundable and you should not pay more than one week's rent

late payment of rent or breach of a tenancy agreement (known as default payments)

council tax (if this is part of tenancy agreement)

utilities, for example water, electricity (if this is part of tenancy agreement)

TV licence (if this is part of tenancy agreement)

communication services, for example internet, telephone (if part of tenancy agreement)

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If you rent your home from a private landlord or letting agent, there are certain fees you do not have to pay. If your landlord or letting agent charge you for these fees, they are breaking the law and will be fined.

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Get advice about renting from a private landlord if you have an assured shorthold tenancy. Most people have this type of tenancy.

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Properties to rent in the UK | Flats and Houses to Rent | Rightmove

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Find property to rent. Search over 200,000 properties to rent from the top lettings agents in the UK - Rightmove.

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How to live with friends/ Sut mae byw gyda ffrindiau

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How to live with friends/ Sut mae byw gyda ffrindiau

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OK, so you want to move in with your mate. You've named the communal houseplant and are dreaming of the meatballs you'll gobble down on the trip to Ikea. You love your friend and can't think of anything better than spending all your time in their company.

You can't even imagine how things could go awry.

It's a lovely idea and it might be completely delightful. It could also become the ideal living arrangement, if you do it right.

Here's the potential problem: a lot of people have secret at-home habits that you're usually not privy to when you're just meeting up with someone socially. People can be messy, smelly, neurotic, chaotic and annoying in all sorts of ways you might not be able to predict.

That, and of course living in close proximity to someone - anyone - can be challenging for plenty of reasons.

You've got to manage rent, bills, groceries, tidiness, dishwasher-stacking technique, chore distribution, emotional labour, personal space and general household behaviour compatibility.

If you move in with a stranger and it's a total disaster, fine. Sort out your legal obligations, put up with it as long as you can, give up on a blossoming friendship and get out of there.

However, if you move in with a pre-existing friend of yours, there's a lot more at stake. If you have a spat, discover you're domestically incompatible and run out of patience with each other, you risk losing your entire friendship.

To give your friendship the best possible chance of surviving co-habitation, you've got to be smart about this.

Before you even suggest sharing a home, have a proper think about your compatibility. It's worth being pragmatic, especially if you have drastically different budgets, definitions of cleanliness, social lives and general approaches to domestic life.

If you do decide to move in together, here are some things you can do to minimise the conflict and protect the friendship.

Get the awkward money chat out of the way before the move

Most of us find talking about money awkward and scary.

But if you're planning on running a household together, you have to do it.

There will inevitably be shared expenses and it's worth chatting about them upfront so you can manage everyone's expectations.

If you're going in on a lease together, have an honest chat about what you can afford. Don't stretch yourself financially thin to keep up with someone else's earnings, and don't assume someone can afford the same amount of rent each month as you can.

You might not even know each other's salaries as friends, so work something out that makes you both comfortable.

Then, decide whether you want to split any household maintenance costs.

Will you split the cost of cleaning products? Do you want to go in on a weekly grocery shop?

Who is going to set up a direct debit for council tax? Will you share the TV licence? Whose Netflix password do you need to memorise?

It's great to hash all of this out from the start so you're clear on who owes what.

Don't be the slob flatmate

Your room is your space - you are entitled to live in as much filth as you like.

Communal spaces, however, should be kept clean and tidy. It's a gesture of respect to keep the space that you share with someone else nice.

You'll become unpopular very quickly if you're always leaving dirty dishes on the kitchen counter and clothes on the living room floor.

Tidy up after yourself diligently and you'll give your new flatmate no reason to secretly resent you.

It might be useful to put together a rota for cleaning the common areas, split chores evenly or pick a day each week or month to give the place a good going over.

You don't want to be the one shocking your friend with your unexpected slovenliness.

Don't forget to spend time together

When you're living together, it's easy to get quite complacent about actually spending proper time together.

You see each other in the hall, you watch telly together sometimes in the evening and you have a quick chat over breakfast, so you feel like you've seen each other.

But real, lasting friendship requires a little more investment than that. If you want to keep yours, make time and space in your life so your friend knows they're important to you.

I recommend scheduling in friendship dates where you leave the house. You could go for a walk together, have dinner at the local pub or pop by the farmer's market.

Whatever it is, just make sure it feels a little more special than brief, incidental interactions at home.

If there's a problem, be open and honest about it

Try and have a policy of candour, kindness and transparency in your new household.

Be gentle and compassionate with each other. Listen properly. Check in on the other person and ask how they're doing. Have proper, regular chats.

Be honest with each other, especially if something is quietly becoming a problem at home - it's better to talk it out than leave an annoyance to simply fester over time.

If something your friend does bothers you, find a diplomatic way of raising it instead of just keeping your new resentment to yourself.

Be considerate, too, and notice how your friend likes to live.

Don't play loud music if you live with someone who likes peace and quiet.

Don't have loud sex if you live in a place with thin walls, or invite people over without warning.

Don't eat your friend's yoghurt without asking.

Be your loveliest self and you could just have the time of your life, living with a friend.

MORE: How to avoid getting jealous when your friends hang out without you

MORE: How to stay close to your friends when you move away

MORE: There are only four times you can get away with not getting your friend a present

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How to live with your friends and not fall out

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OK, so you want to move in with your mate. You've named the communal houseplant and are dreaming of the meatballs you'll gobble down on the trip to Ikea. You love your friend and can't think of anything better than spending all your time in their company.

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Types of tenancy agreements/ Mathau o gytundeb tenantiaeth

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Types of tenancy agreements/ Mathau o gytundeb tenantiaeth

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If you share your home with other people, it's important to know how your tenancy is organised as it can have implications for other things. This page highlights some of the issues you need to be aware of when sharing accommodation.

Typical tenancy arrangements

Tenancy arrangements in shared accommodation can vary. The most typical scenarios include:

one tenancy agreement which each person in the property signs. You all share the property and its facilities and don't have exclusive possession of any part, even though in practice you may agree to occupy a particular bedroom and pay individual contributions towards the rent. This is a joint tenancy

each person in the property has their own tenancy agreement because they each have exclusive possession of one specific room while sharing other facilities such as the kitchen. In this case, each person has a sole tenancy

one person in the property signs the tenancy agreement and has a sole tenancy. They then sub-let rooms separately to other people either as sub-tenants or as lodgers.

Your rights and responsibilities will vary depending on whether you have a joint or sole tenancy or whether you have a tenant as your resident landlord.

If you have a joint tenancy, you and the other tenants have exactly the same rights. You are all jointly and individually responsible for the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement. This is called joint and several liability.

Paying the rent

If you have a joint tenancy, you are liable for the rent both jointly and individually. This means that one or all of you can be held responsible for the whole rent. It's not possible to argue that each tenant is liable for their particular share.

So, if someone you live with doesn't pay their share of the rent, the rest of you are responsible for making up the shortfall. If you don't make up the shortfall, you are all jointly and individually responsible for any rent arrears that build up. Your landlord could deduct money from the deposit, take action to evict you all or recover the debt from any one of you or a guarantor.

If one of you wants to leave

If your joint tenancy is for a fixed term (for example, 12 months), you must normally get the agreement of your landlord and the other tenants to give notice to end the tenancy. If you end your tenancy it ends for everyone.

If your fixed term joint tenancy has a break clause you have to get all the tenants to agree to use the break clause to end the tenancy, unless your agreement says otherwise.

If the fixed term has ended or you never had a fixed term, you can give notice to end your tenancy without the agreement of the other tenants - unless your tenancy agreement says otherwise. It's important to be aware that if you end your tenancy it ends for everyone.

If one joint tenant wants to leave during the course of a tenancy, and the other tenants want to stay, you can:

ask the landlord for a new tenancy that doesn't include the leaving tenant - the landlord might be more likely to agree if you can find someone to replace the leaving tenant

make no changes to the tenancy - the leaving tenant will have to continue paying rent or the remaining tenants will have to pay the leaving tenant's share of the rent

Contact your nearest Citizens Advice for help if you want to end a joint tenancy.

If you want one of the other tenants to leave

As joint tenants, you all have exactly the same rights, so one tenant can't simply be forced to leave. If you have a problem with another tenant your landlord is unlikely to want to get involved and you'll have to sort the problem out yourself. An independent third party may be able to help you to resolve any difficulties, for example, a common friend.

If your partner makes you feel anxious or threatened, you should get help.

You can call Refuge or Women's Aid on 0808 2000 247 at any time.

Men's Advice Line is a charity that helps men suffering domestic abuse. You can call their helpline on 0808 801 0327 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).

If you're not sure what to do next, contact your nearest Citizens Advice.

If you share accommodation but have your own individual tenancy agreement there are generally less things that you need to worry about than if you had a joint tenancy with the other people you're living with.

Paying the rent

If you have your own individual tenancy agreement then you are liable to pay the rent. If you don't pay your rent, your landlord may take action against you. If other people you share your accommodation with don't pay their rent, this won't affect your tenancy.

If one of you wants to leave

If someone you share with wants to leave then they need to raise it with the landlord. Whether they leave or not won't affect your tenancy.

The only impact it will have on you is, if they do leave, your landlord is likely to get a new tenant to replace them. It's unlikely that you will have any control over who that person is unless your landlord asks for your input.

If you want one of the other tenants to leave

If you have a problem with another tenant it's best to try and resolve any issues between yourselves. However, if that's not possible, you could raise the matter with your landlord. As you all have individual tenancy agreements, your landlord could decide to take action against the tenant concerned. If they did, it wouldn't affect your tenancy.

Call the police if you don't feel safe, for example if you're being harassed or threatened.

In this situation, your landlord is the sole tenant and only they have a direct relationship with the actual landlord, who is known as the head landlord.

The sole tenant generally lets rooms to others either as sub-tenants or lodgers. The main difference between a sub-tenant and a lodger is that sub-tenants have exclusive possession of at least one room in the property. No-one can access this accommodation without their consent.

Lodgers don't have exclusive possession of a room and the landlord can enter the room without permission. Lodgers may also receive other services as part of the accommodation, such as meals and cleaning.

Paying the rent

The sole tenant is the only person who is legally liable to pay the rent to the head landlord.

However, as a sub-tenant or a lodger you are likely to have an agreement with your landlord to pay rent. If you don't pay them, they are likely to take action to evict you.

Is the sole tenant allowed to sublet or take in lodgers?

A tenant may be able to sublet part of their accommodation or take in lodgers if their tenancy agreement allows it and/or if their landlord gives them permission.

If your landlord hasn't acted lawfully by subletting or by taking you in as a lodger, they will have breached their tenancy agreement. This means the head landlord can take possession action against them and this is likely to affect you.

What happens if the sole tenant's tenancy ends?

Generally if your landlord's tenancy with the head landlord ends, this affects your right to stay in the property.

If you share some of the accommodation with your landlord, such as the bathroom or kitchen, you are likely to be a lodger. The legal term for a lodger is an excluded occupier. Excluded occupiers have very few legal rights and can be evicted easily.

If you wanted to take over the accommodation when the sole tenant left, you could negotiate with the head landlord and set up a new agreement. Also, in some circumstances, you may be able to argue that a new tenancy has been created if the head landlord accepts rent from you, knowing that the sole tenant has left.

This can be a difficult area of law, and if you are in this position it's best to get specialist advice.

When sharing accommodation, if only your name is on the utility bill, you're legally responsible for the whole of the bill until you end the contract. If your name is on the bill and someone else who lives with you won't pay their share, you'll usually have to pay the bill and take legal action against them for the money.

If an account is set up using the names of everyone who lives in the property, the supplier can chase anyone for any outstanding debts even if you've already paid your share.

Living in a house in multiple occupation (HMO)

Many people in shared houses or flats live in houses in multiple occupation (HMO). If you live in an HMO, your landlord has extra legal responsibilities and may need a licence for the property.

Other useful information

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If you share your home with other people, it's important to know how your tenancy is organised as it can have implications for other things. This page highlights some of the issues you need to be aware of when sharing accommodation. Tenancy arrangements in shared accommodation can vary.

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Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)/ Tai amlbreswyl (HMOs)

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Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)/ Tai amlbreswyl (HMOs)

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If you are living in an HMO you must tell those you live with if you:

feel unwell and think you may have coronavirus

have been told to self-isolate.

You must minimise visiting shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas as much as possible.

If possible, find suitable alternative self-contained space until you are fully recovered. This could be in the same building.

If there is no separate area, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of infecting others:

keep shared spaces well ventilated if possible

stay 2 metres from other people and not do not share a bed with another person

if the toilet or bathroom facilities are shared, you should use a separate bathroom if possible. The bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected using regular cleaning products before being used by anyone else

if a separate bathroom is not available, consider drawing up a rota for washing or bathing, with the person who is unwell using the facilities last, before thoroughly cleaning the bathroom themselves (if they are able or it is appropriate)

use separate body and hand towels from other people

avoid using shared kitchens whilst others are present

do not share crockery and cutlery

take your meals back to your room to eat and use a dishwasher (if available) to clean and dry crockery and cutlery.

For Welsh Government guidance on self-isolating in shared accommodation, click here.

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Houses in multiple occupation - Shelter Cymru

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If you are living in an HMO you must tell those you live with if you: feel unwell and think you may have coronavirus have been told to self-isolate. You must minimise visiting shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas as much as possible.

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What is an overcrowded home?/ Beth yw cartref wedi’i orlenwi?

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What is an overcrowded home?/ Beth yw cartref wedi’i orlenwi?

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This page has been updated following the coronavirus outbreak

When you count as overcrowded

Government guidance recommends that councils use an overcrowding measure called the 'bedroom standard'.

You count as overcrowded under the bedroom standard if you don't have a bedroom in your home for each:

couple

single person aged 21 or over

pair of children under 10 regardless of sex

pair of adolescents aged 10-20 of the same sex

Some councils use a different legal measure of overcrowding, called statutory overcrowding.

Apply for a council or housing association home

You can apply to the council for housing if your home is overcrowded.

You will usually have to wait for a suitable size home. Waiting times can be longer in areas where there's not enough housing.

You should get some priority on the waiting list if you're classed as overcrowded.

Check your local council's housing allocations policy for information about how the council housing register works in your area.

You should be able to find the full policy or a summary on the council website.

Transfers and mutual exchanges

You can apply for a transfer to a larger property if you're already a council or housing association tenant.

There's usually a waiting list for transfers but you should get some priority if your home is overcrowded.

You can also use the mutual exchange process to swap homes with another council or housing association tenant.

You might not be allowed to swap if either property is too large or too small for those that want to swap.

Look for a private rented home

You could look for a larger private rented home.

It's not usually a good idea to give up a council or housing association home to rent privately as you may not get another one.

Private renters usually have:

higher rents

shorter tenancies

less protection from eviction

Help with rent in a private tenancy

You can usually claim universal credit or housing benefit if you need help with rent.

Check how many bedrooms you can claim for to see what size of property you can afford to rent.

The amount you can get depends on local housing allowance (LHA) rates in your area.

You have to pay any rent shortfall if your benefit doesn't cover your rent.

You might get a discretionary housing payment if you need help with a rent shortfall.

Make a homelessness application

You can ask the council for homeless help if it's not reasonable for you to continue living in your home because of overcrowding.

For example, if other associated problems such as damp are so bad that it's putting your health at severe risk.

You may need an environmental health officer from your council to inspect your home and a medical professional to confirm the health risks.

Don't leave an overcrowded home before the council makes a decision on your homeless application. The council won't always have to provide emergency housing and might decide you're intentionally homeless if you leave.

If you're shielding in an overcrowded home

If you've been advised to shield because of a local lockdown, ask your council for help if you can't shield effectively.

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This page has been updated following the coronavirus outbreak Government guidance recommends that councils use an overcrowding measure called the 'bedroom standard'. You count as overcrowded under the bedroom standard if you don't have a bedroom in your home for each: couple single person aged 21 or over pair of children under 10 regardless of sex pair of adolescents aged 10-20 of the same sex Some councils use a different legal measure of overcrowding, called statutory overcrowding.

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Tips on How to Talk to Your Roommates About Finances

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Essential support for under 25s

Before you can move into social housing, you'll need to sign a tenancy agreement. What does that involve and what do you need to know?

What is a social housing tenancy agreement?

It's a contract between you and a local authority or housing association, which lets you legally live in a property in return for paying rent.

What am I agreeing to when I sign?

A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract. By signing it, you're agreeing to:

Live in the property for an agreed amount of time

Pay the agreed amount of rent and any service charges

Keep the property in good condition

Let staff and contractors in to do repairs

Not behave in an anti-social way

What information should I be given?

As well as your tenancy agreement, you might be given a tenants' handbook or website address with more information.

You should be told the following:

What type of tenancy you'll have

How much rent to pay, when to pay it and when it will go up

If anything else is included in the rent, like water charges

If there's a service charge to pay on top of your rent, to cover things like maintaining communal areas

How much rent to pay when you move in - do they want some in advance?

What you can expect when you move in, which should include a visit to see how you're settling in

Whether you're allowed to have pets

What repairs you're responsible for

Whether you're allowed to decorate

How to make a complaint, should you need to

Are there different types of social housing tenancy?

There are different types of agreements, with different rules about things like rent rises and evictions.

Introductory or starter tenancies

These are for over-18s who are new to social housing or have spent time away from it. They work like trial periods and usually last for 12 months, but may be extended to 18.

If you have this kind of tenancy, your rent can't go up unless you agree. But it's easier to evict you - the housing association or local authority needs a court order to do this, but they can get one without proving a reason why.

The Scottish equivalent is called a short Scottish secure tenancy.

Secure tenancies

When an introductory tenancy finishes, it will usually turn into a secure tenancy. But this won't happen if they've started action to evict you, or if they decide to extend the introductory period.

Secure tenants can only be evicted if there's a legal reason, like not paying rent, damaging the property or anti-social behaviour. Otherwise, you can stay as long as you want. You're also allowed to swap homes. Your rent can go up though - your tenancy agreement should explain when this will happen.

The Scottish equivalent is called a Scottish secure tenancy.

Flexible fixed-term tenancies

These give you the same rights as secure tenancies but for a fixed amount of time, such as five years. You can only be evicted in that time if there's a legal reason.

As with a secure tenancy, you're allowed to swap homes. Your rent can go up - your tenancy agreement should explain when.

Demoted tenancies

If you behave anti-socially, your housing association could try to evict you. Or they could ask the court to demote your tenancy for a year. This lets you stay in your home, but makes it easier to evict you in the future.

Tenancies for 16 and 17 year-olds

While under-18s can't legally hold a tenancy, local authorities and housing associations should have arrangements in place for this age group.

You might get a license to live in a property until you're 18, which gives you permission to stay but not a legal right. Or you could hold a joint tenancy with someone who's over 18. If in doubt, check with your local housing office.

Next Steps

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By Anne Wollenberg

Updated on 09-Nov-2015

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Social housing tenancy agreements - The Mix

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Essential support for under 25s Before you can move into social housing, you'll need to sign a tenancy agreement. What does that involve and what do you need to know? It's a contract between you and a local authority or housing association, which lets you legally live in a property in return for paying rent.

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Moving In- Checklist/ Symud i mewn – Rhestr Wirio

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Moving In- Checklist/ Symud i mewn – Rhestr Wirio

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Essential support for under 25s

From questions you should ask, to essential moving day tasks, this guide will help ensure a smooth move. Here's your checklist to tick off before you move into social housing.

Here's what to think about before moving in day.

Read the small print
What to check:

What kind of tenancy agreement you'll have [Cross-link to social housing tenancy agreements]

What date you can move in

How long you can stay

If it's going to be furnished

If you're allowed to have pets

If you need furniture

Living by yourself can have lots of boring and annoying expenses you didn't think about. So try and figure out how much money you'll be hemorrhaging before you get in there.

Rent:

Check how much your rent is and how often you have to pay

Check what day of the week or month you have to pay

Find out if you can pay by cash, card, cheque or direct debit

Where do you go to pay in person? Will you be given a rent card that you need to take with you?

Can you pay by other methods, like online, by phone or by text?

Check whether you can get housing benefit to help pay your rent

Service charges:

Check if you have to pay a service charge on top of your rent

If so, how much do you have to pay and how often?

Water:

Check if water rates are included in your rent

If not, ask which water company to tell when you move in

Council tax:

Gas and electricity:

Find out if you'll have pre-payment meters for gas or electricity

If so, you'll need a pre-payment card or key

If not, you'll need to give meter readings when you move in

Other things you might need:

It's the big day! Here's what you need to do.

Things to know:

When you can collect your keys

Whether you need to pay some rent in advance

Check things over

Test any keys you've been given to make sure they work

Give the place a once-over to check for damage or defects

Check all the doors and windows open and close properly

Found some damage?

Take photos to prove it was there when you moved in, or you might get charged for it

Check the rules about repairs in your tenancy agreement or handbook - is it something you can ask to have fixed?

Follow the instructions for reporting urgent or non-urgent repairs, depending on which you need

You should have:

Working smoke alarms

A gas safety certificate

What else to check

How the heating system works

Where and when to put the rubbish out

Local bus stops and bus routes

Next Steps

Chat about this subject on our Discussion Boards.

Need help but confused where to go locally? Download our StepFinder iPhone app to find local support services quickly.

By Anne Wollenberg

Updated on 03-Nov-2015

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Vanilla.

The Mix. Registered charity number: 1048995

Welcome to The Mix, a support service for young people. There are loads of ways you can get support from us, including our articles, videos, helpline, counselling, forums, apps and more. To find which service suits your needs use the drop down menu below.

Log in

Welcome to The Mix, offering essential support for under 25s.

Log in to submit your own content on our platform Your Voices.

If you do not have an account with us you can sign up here.
I don't have a login

Forgotten password?

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Welcome to The Mix, the online guide to life for young people in the UK.

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Moving into social housing checklist - The Mix

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Are you about to move into social housing? The Mix has a helpful checklist of what you need to do beforehand.

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Local Housing Associations/ Cymdeithasau Tai Lleol

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Local Housing Associations/ Cymdeithasau Tai Lleol

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Community Housing Cymru is the membership body for housing associations in Wales.

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Local Authority support/ Cefnogaeth gan yr Awdurdod Lleol

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Local Authority support/ Cefnogaeth gan yr Awdurdod Lleol

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You should be able to get some money to help you buy some of those home essentials. For more information speak to your social worker or personal advisor.

Dylet ti allu cael rhywfaint o arian i'th helpu i brynu rhai eitemau hanfodol ar gyfer y cartref. I gael rhagor o wybodaeth, hola dy weithiwr cymdeithasol neu dy gynghorydd personol.

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Ask your personal advisor about this grant and how to get it.

Hola dy gynghorydd personol am y grant yma a sut mae gwneud cais amdano.

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British Heart Foundation/ Sefydliad y Galon Brydeinig

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British Heart Foundation/ Sefydliad y Galon Brydeinig

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Blood pressure monitors and defibrillators

Blood pressure monitors and other devices

We stock a wide range of blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters and ECG monitors to help you monitor your health.
Shop for blood pressure monitors and devices
Defibrillators and accessories

Browse our shop for a range of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) from leading brands, plus all the accessories you'll need.
Shop for defibrillators

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Browse our huge range of furniture, clothing, jewellery and more, available online and in store. All your purchases support our lifesaving research.

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Buy or sell new and used items easily on Facebook Marketplace, locally or from businesses. Find great deals on new items shipped from stores to your door.

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Welcome to The Freecycle Network™! We are a grassroots & entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their own Towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Membership is free. And now you can also set up your own, smaller personal Friends Circle for gifting and lending of items with just your friends! Sign up now.

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Welcome to The Freecycle Network™! We are a grassroots & entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their own Towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Membership is free.

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Buy Home Furniture and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay UK! Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items

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Life Hacks for Your First Time Living Alone/ Haciau bywyd am eich tro cyntaf yn byw ar eich pen eich hun

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Life Hacks for Your First Time Living Alone/ Haciau bywyd am eich tro cyntaf yn byw ar eich pen eich hun

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Life Hacks for Your First Time Living Alone | Tips for Your First Time Living Alone

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Changing your address/ Newid Eich Cyfeiriad

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Changing your address/ Newid Eich Cyfeiriad

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Moving home? Here is our change of address checklist | Homeward Legal

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If you’ve just moved house, read our change of address checklist so you can make sure to inform the right people and places.

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Your are entitled to a range of support:

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Your are entitled to a range of support:

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Leaving care allowance:

Personal Advisor Support:

Help with finding housing:

Advice and Assistance about benefits and finding employment

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Your rights when leaving care/ Eich hawliau wrth adael gofal

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Your rights when leaving care/ Eich hawliau wrth adael gofal

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Your local council must provide you with support until you're 25. When you leave care there'll be a meeting to help you work out what you're going to do next.

16

You'll be given a plan to help you make the transition from care to independent life

18

You're no longer in care when you turn 18 but your council must still provide you with some support, including a personal adviser and plan

21

You can continue to get help and advice from the council and a personal adviser until you're 25, if you want to

What the council must do to help you

The council must:

give you a personal adviser who stays in touch with you once you've left care

carry out an assessment to find out what advice and support you need - they must also prepare a plan to make this happen (called a 'pathway plan')

make sure you've got somewhere to live and enough money (until you turn 18)

help you to continue living with your foster parent if you want to (until you turn 21)

Discussing your future

If you're leaving care you'll have a 'statutory review meeting' to discuss your future, including what support you'll need.

Things to consider before your meeting

These things will be discussed at your statutory review meeting:

where you're going to live (you can move somewhere where personal support and advice is always available if you want to)

if you're going to work, get training or continue in education

how much support you think you'll need from your social worker or personal adviser

Who should be at your statutory review meeting

The following people should be at the meeting:

you

an advocate, if you ask for one (an adult you choose who can help you explain things)

your social worker

your carers

any other people responsible for supporting you (like a mentor or a member of staff from your school or college)

an Independent Reviewing Officer (a neutral person appointed to make sure everything's done properly)

Complaining about your statutory review meeting

You can make a formal complaint if you're not happy with how your meeting went. Your social worker or personal adviser from the leaving care service and the Independent Reviewing Officer must tell you how to do this.

Supporting you in education

You should get a bursary of £1,200 a year if you stay in full-time education. Contact your education provider (your school or college) to find out how to claim the 16-19 bursary.

You can get a higher education bursary of £2,000 from your local council if you're going on to higher education (for example university).

When you reach 16

Your local council must write a 'pathway plan' when you reach 16 which helps you prepare for leaving care and says what support you should get.

It must include plans for your:

health

education, training and development

contact with family

financial management

Your personal adviser must take part in any pathway plan reviews until you're 21, or 25 if you want this support to continue. You must have a review:

at least every 6 months

if you ask for one

if your personal adviser or the council asks for one

Setting up home allowances

You can get a setting up home allowance (also known as a leaving care grant) to help you buy essential things when moving into your own home. Contact your local council to find out how much is available.

Finding work

You may be able to:

Benefits

You might be able to claim some benefits, like:

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Leaving foster or local council care - support from your council, review meetings and financial help

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Advocacy Support NYAS/ Cefnogaeth Eiriolaeth NYAS

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Advocacy Support NYAS/ Cefnogaeth Eiriolaeth NYAS

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Child and Family Advocacy Services in Wales | NYAS Cymru

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NYAS Cymru are the leading national provider of advocacy for children and young people in care. Learn what an advocate is, what they do, what the active offer of advocacy is and how you could benefit from having one.

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Care Leavers Advocacy/ Eiriolaeth ymadawyr gofal

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Care Leavers Advocacy/ Eiriolaeth ymadawyr gofal

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Our Care Leavers Advocacy service can support you when leaving care. We can help you put forward your thoughts and wishes to the right people and refer you to services that can help you. These can include:

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How To Take Care Of Yourself When You Live Alone/ Sut i ofalu amdanoch chi'ch hun pan fyddwch chi'n byw ar eich pen eich hun

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How To Take Care Of Yourself When You Live Alone/ Sut i ofalu amdanoch chi'ch hun pan fyddwch chi'n byw ar eich pen eich hun

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How To Take Care Of Yourself When You Live Alone

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Caring for yourself is about finding a balance and creating a life that nurtures you, even in solitude. Here are our editor’s tips on how to do it.

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Eight tips for living by yourself/ Wyth Awgrym ar gyfer Byw Ar eich Hun

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Eight tips for living by yourself/ Wyth Awgrym ar gyfer Byw Ar eich Hun

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Living alone for the first time or again after a divorce? Learn the benefits of living alone and how to live alone happily and embrace your next chapter.

Many people live alone at different stages of their life, whether it's their first venture into independence after a significant life change like a divorce or simply a personal choice. Living alone can bring both challenges and opportunities that require a range of skills, from managing daily tasks and to ensuring emotional wellbeing. When it comes to living alone successfully, it's important to consider not only the practical aspects but also the emotions that can come along with it.

Learning how to live alone

When you start living by yourself, the first challenge you might face is relying on yourself for daily tasks. This might include , maintaining your home, grocery shopping, and cooking, which can be new responsibilities if you've previously shared them with roommates or partners.

Beyond the practicalities, living alone also requires emotional adjustment. It's normal to experience a range of feelings when you're first on your own. You may feel excitement about the new freedom and space, but you might also have feelings of loneliness or isolation at times. It's important to recognize and address these emotions as they come up.

Physical health is another important aspect of living alone. Without others around, you need to take the initiative to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep . These habits can contribute to your physical wellbeing and support your mental health.

Learning to live alone involves growing in self-reliance, managing your and physical wellbeing, and adjusting to a new lifestyle. With time, these challenges can lead to a rewarding experience of independence and personal growth.

8 tips on how to live alone and actually embrace it

Living alone offers a unique opportunity to embrace independence and personal space. It can turn what might seem like a daunting experience into a fulfilling one.

1. Strengthen your social network

While living alone, maintain and expand your social connections. Regular interaction with friends, family, and colleagues can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Engage in social activities, join clubs or groups that align with your interests, and proactively nurture your relationships .

💙 Discover how Relationships can impact your life in this episode of Daily Calm with Tamara Levitt.

2. Refresh your routine

Living alone can give you the freedom to design your daily routine. Use this opportunity to introduce new habits or activities that enhance your wellbeing and happiness. Adopt a new exercise regimen, make time to read, or explore a hobby to bring a fresh perspective and joy to your everyday life.

💙 Learn how to Turn Choice Into Routine in this session on cultivating new habits that will add to your life.

3. Explore new activities

Use your solo living situation as a chance to try new things. Learning a new skill, picking up a hobby, or attending community events can provide stimulation, help you meet new people, and add adventure to your life.

💙 Join Shawn Achor as he explores the art (and practice) of Discovering Happiness , like trying new things and embracing your own company.

4. Create your ideal space

Take the time to make your home truly yours. Arrange, decorate, or renovate your space to reflect your personal style and suit your comfort and happiness.

5. Embrace solitude

Learn to enjoy your own company, enabling self-reflection and personal growth. Get to know yourself better by exploring your interests, and engaging in activities that you enjoy doing alone.

💙 Embracing can be a stepping stone to embarking on a new journey of self-discovery and growth.

6. Stay active

Physical activity can benefit your health and boost your mood and energy levels. Home workouts, jogging, cycling, or any form of exercise you enjoy can improve your overall wellbeing when living alone.

💙 Try a guided Mindful Walking meditation to help you step into your body and improve your wellbeing.

7. Cultivate self-compassion

Be kind to yourself as you adjust to living alone. Recognize that it's normal to have ups and downs, and treat yourself with the same compassion you'd offer a friend.

💙 Follow along with Tamara Levitt's meditation on Self-Compassion as part of her Relationship with Self Series.

8. Seek out community

Even when living alone, you can find or create a sense of community. Chat with neighbors, join local groups or online communities that share your , and participate in nearby events to find a sense of belonging and connection.

How to live alone after divorce

Living alone after a divorce or breakup can be a significant life transition, involving both practical and emotional adjustments. These adjustments often prompt a period of self-discovery and growth. Adapting to a new lifestyle and redefining your sense of self outside of marriage or long-term partnership may offer a chance to build a fulfilling life on your own terms.

Embrace the transition

Recognize that living alone post-divorce can bring big changes. It's normal to experience a range of emotions, from relief to sadness or anxiety. Acknowledge these feelings as part of the healing process .

Create a supportive environment

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, your community, or join a support group for comfort and advice from others who've experienced similar changes.

Redefine your space

Transform your living environment to reflect your individuality and new beginning. Personalizing your space can be a therapeutic process, helping to create a home that feels truly yours.

Develop new routines

Establish new daily routines to provide structure and a sense of normalcy. This might include new hobbies, exercise routines, or social activities.

Focus on self-care

Prioritize activities that promote your wellbeing, such as exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient rest. Explore mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and emotions.

Explore personal growth

View this time as an opportunity for self-discovery and personal development. Consider interests or that you may have put aside during your marriage.

Financial independence

Divorce often brings financial changes. Create a budget to manage your finances , and educate yourself on any necessary financial management skills.

Seek professional support

If you're struggling with the transition after divorce, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. Professional guidance can provide strategies to cope with change, , and building a new life.

8 benefits of living alone

Living alone can contribute to personal growth and wellbeing, with rewarding, enriching benefits and opportunities for self-fulfillment.

How to live alone FAQs

How do you deal with the loneliness of living alone?

Dealing with loneliness involves creating meaningful connections and engaging in activities that build a sense of belonging.

Regularly reach out to family and friends to help maintain strong relationships.

Join clubs, classes, or groups that align with your interests to meet new people and feel a sense of community.

Engage in volunteer work to help you find purpose and connection.

Consider adopting a pet for companionship and to help reduce feelings of isolation.

Establish a routine that includes social interactions, self-care, and hobbies you enjoy to help keep loneliness at bay.

Why do I struggle to live alone?

Struggling to live alone can be caused by factors like a lack of experience with independence, the emotional impact of isolation, or the challenges of managing all household responsibilities on your own. Feeling overwhelmed is common, especially if you're used to living with others. To address these challenges, gradually build your self-reliance skills, such as cooking, budgeting, and home maintenance. Acknowledge your feelings of loneliness or anxiety, and consider reaching out for support from friends, family, or professionals. Living alone can be a significant life change, and it's okay to take time to adjust .

Is it mentally healthy to live alone?

Living alone can be mentally healthy if approached in the right way. It can provide space for self-reflection, personal growth, and independence. However, it's important to maintain social connections and activities that support your mental health. Ensure you create a good balance of solitude and social interaction, engage in regular physical activity, and make time for hobbies and interests that bring you joy. If living alone triggers feelings of anxiety or depression, seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.

What happens when you live alone for a long time?

Living alone for a long time can lead to significant personal growth and self-understanding. You might develop strong self-reliance skills and a clear sense of personal identity. However, it's important to maintain social connections and activities to avoid the potential downsides, such as loneliness or feeling disconnected from others. Create a balance between enjoying your own company and engaging with a broader community to help you have a healthy, fulfilling life , regardless of how long you live alone.

Calm your mind. Change your life.

Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.

Living alone for the first time or again after a divorce? Learn the benefits of living alone and how to live alone happily and embrace your next chapter.

Many people live alone at different stages of their life, whether it's their first venture into independence after a significant life change like a divorce or simply a personal choice. Living alone can bring both challenges and opportunities that require a range of skills, from managing daily tasks and to ensuring emotional wellbeing. When it comes to living alone successfully, it's important to consider not only the practical aspects but also the emotions that can come along with it.

Learning how to live alone

When you start living by yourself, the first challenge you might face is relying on yourself for daily tasks. This might include , maintaining your home, grocery shopping, and cooking, which can be new responsibilities if you've previously shared them with roommates or partners.

Beyond the practicalities, living alone also requires emotional adjustment. It's normal to experience a range of feelings when you're first on your own. You may feel excitement about the new freedom and space, but you might also have feelings of loneliness or isolation at times. It's important to recognize and address these emotions as they come up.

Physical health is another important aspect of living alone. Without others around, you need to take the initiative to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep . These habits can contribute to your physical wellbeing and support your mental health.

Learning to live alone involves growing in self-reliance, managing your and physical wellbeing, and adjusting to a new lifestyle. With time, these challenges can lead to a rewarding experience of independence and personal growth.

8 tips on how to live alone and actually embrace it

Living alone offers a unique opportunity to embrace independence and personal space. It can turn what might seem like a daunting experience into a fulfilling one.

1. Strengthen your social network

While living alone, maintain and expand your social connections. Regular interaction with friends, family, and colleagues can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Engage in social activities, join clubs or groups that align with your interests, and proactively nurture your relationships .

💙 Discover how Relationships can impact your life in this episode of Daily Calm with Tamara Levitt.

2. Refresh your routine

Living alone can give you the freedom to design your daily routine. Use this opportunity to introduce new habits or activities that enhance your wellbeing and happiness. Adopt a new exercise regimen, make time to read, or explore a hobby to bring a fresh perspective and joy to your everyday life.

💙 Learn how to Turn Choice Into Routine in this session on cultivating new habits that will add to your life.

3. Explore new activities

Use your solo living situation as a chance to try new things. Learning a new skill, picking up a hobby, or attending community events can provide stimulation, help you meet new people, and add adventure to your life.

💙 Join Shawn Achor as he explores the art (and practice) of Discovering Happiness , like trying new things and embracing your own company.

4. Create your ideal space

Take the time to make your home truly yours. Arrange, decorate, or renovate your space to reflect your personal style and suit your comfort and happiness.

5. Embrace solitude

Learn to enjoy your own company, enabling self-reflection and personal growth. Get to know yourself better by exploring your interests, and engaging in activities that you enjoy doing alone.

💙 Embracing can be a stepping stone to embarking on a new journey of self-discovery and growth.

6. Stay active

Physical activity can benefit your health and boost your mood and energy levels. Home workouts, jogging, cycling, or any form of exercise you enjoy can improve your overall wellbeing when living alone.

💙 Try a guided Mindful Walking meditation to help you step into your body and improve your wellbeing.

7. Cultivate self-compassion

Be kind to yourself as you adjust to living alone. Recognize that it's normal to have ups and downs, and treat yourself with the same compassion you'd offer a friend.

💙 Follow along with Tamara Levitt's meditation on Self-Compassion as part of her Relationship with Self Series.

8. Seek out community

Even when living alone, you can find or create a sense of community. Chat with neighbors, join local groups or online communities that share your , and participate in nearby events to find a sense of belonging and connection.

How to live alone after divorce

Living alone after a divorce or breakup can be a significant life transition, involving both practical and emotional adjustments. These adjustments often prompt a period of self-discovery and growth. Adapting to a new lifestyle and redefining your sense of self outside of marriage or long-term partnership may offer a chance to build a fulfilling life on your own terms.

Embrace the transition

Recognize that living alone post-divorce can bring big changes. It's normal to experience a range of emotions, from relief to sadness or anxiety. Acknowledge these feelings as part of the healing process .

Create a supportive environment

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, your community, or join a support group for comfort and advice from others who've experienced similar changes.

Redefine your space

Transform your living environment to reflect your individuality and new beginning. Personalizing your space can be a therapeutic process, helping to create a home that feels truly yours.

Develop new routines

Establish new daily routines to provide structure and a sense of normalcy. This might include new hobbies, exercise routines, or social activities.

Focus on self-care

Prioritize activities that promote your wellbeing, such as exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient rest. Explore mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and emotions.

Explore personal growth

View this time as an opportunity for self-discovery and personal development. Consider interests or that you may have put aside during your marriage.

Financial independence

Divorce often brings financial changes. Create a budget to manage your finances , and educate yourself on any necessary financial management skills.

Seek professional support

If you're struggling with the transition after divorce, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. Professional guidance can provide strategies to cope with change, , and building a new life.

8 benefits of living alone

Living alone can contribute to personal growth and wellbeing, with rewarding, enriching benefits and opportunities for self-fulfillment.

How to live alone FAQs

How do you deal with the loneliness of living alone?

Dealing with loneliness involves creating meaningful connections and engaging in activities that build a sense of belonging.

Regularly reach out to family and friends to help maintain strong relationships.

Join clubs, classes, or groups that align with your interests to meet new people and feel a sense of community.

Engage in volunteer work to help you find purpose and connection.

Consider adopting a pet for companionship and to help reduce feelings of isolation.

Establish a routine that includes social interactions, self-care, and hobbies you enjoy to help keep loneliness at bay.

Why do I struggle to live alone?

Struggling to live alone can be caused by factors like a lack of experience with independence, the emotional impact of isolation, or the challenges of managing all household responsibilities on your own. Feeling overwhelmed is common, especially if you're used to living with others. To address these challenges, gradually build your self-reliance skills, such as cooking, budgeting, and home maintenance. Acknowledge your feelings of loneliness or anxiety, and consider reaching out for support from friends, family, or professionals. Living alone can be a significant life change, and it's okay to take time to adjust .

Is it mentally healthy to live alone?

Living alone can be mentally healthy if approached in the right way. It can provide space for self-reflection, personal growth, and independence. However, it's important to maintain social connections and activities that support your mental health. Ensure you create a good balance of solitude and social interaction, engage in regular physical activity, and make time for hobbies and interests that bring you joy. If living alone triggers feelings of anxiety or depression, seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.

What happens when you live alone for a long time?

Living alone for a long time can lead to significant personal growth and self-understanding. You might develop strong self-reliance skills and a clear sense of personal identity. However, it's important to maintain social connections and activities to avoid the potential downsides, such as loneliness or feeling disconnected from others. Create a balance between enjoying your own company and engaging with a broader community to help you have a healthy, fulfilling life , regardless of how long you live alone.

Calm your mind. Change your life.

Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.

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How to live alone: 8 tips to get used to living by yourself - Calm Blog

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Living alone for the first time or again after a divorce? Learn the benefits of living alone and how to live alone happily and embrace your next chapter.

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10 Easy Steps for Laundry / 10 cam hawdd ar gyfer golchi dillad

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10 Easy Steps for Laundry / 10 cam hawdd ar gyfer golchi dillad

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Learning how to do laundry is not difficult. Today's fabrics, detergents, and machines take most of the mystery and mistakes out of the process. Determine first if every item of clothing really needs to be washed. Though it's great to stay on top of your laundry, you can wear many items more than once before they need to be washed. Also read the labels for any washing instructions and to make sure the item is not dry-clean only.

Follow these 10 basic steps and laundry hacks for washable clothes and you'll always have clean laundry.

1. Read the Labels

Check the care labels on your garments and linens. They will tell you whether or not an item can be machine washed. Also, every type of fabric has properties that determine how it reacts to heat, water, and cleaning solvents:

Place all clothes that are labeled "wash separately" or " hand wash " into separate piles. If the label says, "dry clean only," believe it and place it in a bag to take to the dry cleaner.

There's no need to risk damaging any special fabrics by trying to save time or money and tossing them in the washer. In the future, try to avoid buying delicate items if you prefer not to deal with special laundry care.

2. Start by sorting the laundry by color:

Whites, pastels, light grays, and white background prints will go in one pile.

Deep colored clothes-black, red, navy, brown, dark gray-go in another pile.

Heavily soiled clothes should be washed separately.

3. Sort each pile one more time by type of fabric. For instance, in the whites pile, separate towels, and sheets from apparel. In the dark colors, separate t-shirts and jeans from lighter weight items like blouses and dress shirts.

Washing by fabric type allows you to use different water temperatures and keeps drying cycles simple. To reduce lint, never wash lint producing fabrics and lint attracting fabrics together!

If there are not enough items for a full washer load of each type of fabric and you are in a hurry, you can wash all items of each color together. Just be sure to choose the washer cycle to fit the most delicate garments in the load.

4. Pick a Detergent

Select an all-purpose laundry detergent. Read the directions to determine how much to use based on the size of the load.

If your clothes have stains, pre-treat them before washing so it doesn't set in. Simply apply a stain remover or rub in a bit of laundry detergent.

Add the detergent to the washer drum or dispenser before loading it. This will prevent residue on your clothing.

5. Pick a Water Temperature and Cycle

Unless your clothing is caked with dirt and heavily stained, washing in cold water will serve your needs and prevent most laundry disasters.

The exception is cotton underwear and bedsheets that need hot water to remove body oil. Bed linens and towels need to be washed at the highest recommended temperature at least every other wash to sanitize them.

No matter the temperature, always rinse in cold water.

You will also want to choose the best washer cycle for the fabrics in the load. The "normal" cycle will be fine for most loads, but you may also need to use "permanent press" or "delicate" for certain fabrics. "Heavy-duty" is great for articles like jeans and towels.

6. Final Check

Take a bit of time to double-check everything before you load the washer. This will save you from any last-minute mistakes.

Look for any stains and pretreat them. Certain types of stains require special techniques to remove them, while many can be handled with a spot treatment. There's also a proper approach for mystery stains when you're not sure what caused it.

Also, check that all pockets are empty-no tissues or paper, either-to prevent disasters. Remove any accessories such as belts and jewelry. Close all zippers, VELCRO, and buttons to prevent them from catching the fabrics.

7. Load the Washer

Load items into the washer one at a time, making sure they are not in a wad. Do not cram the washer too full. The clothes need room to move about in the water.

To protect fabric finishes and reduce the "washed out" look, turn knitted items, corduroy, textured fabric, and dark colors inside out.

8. Unload the Washer

Promptly remove wet laundry from the washer to lessen wrinkles and prevent mildew. Hang items to air dry, lay flat to dry, or place them in the dryer.

9. Load the Dryer

If you did not separate loads by fabric type when washing, do it now before placing items in the dryer. It's important to dry all lightweight items together and all heavy fabric items together and choose the correct dryer cycle for each. This will help prevent shrinking and protect your clothing.

There are many good reasons why you might consider line drying your laundry. Chief among those are saving energy (and money) and less damage to your clothes. Not everyone can do this, though, because of space and weather restrictions. If you are able, be sure to get a few tips for hanging clothes on the line.

10. Hang or Fold and Store

As soon as your clothes are dry, you'll want to take care of them right away. Hang or fold each piece of clothing as it comes out of the dryer to prevent wrinkling. And, of course, iron your clothes if you must. As soon as possible, return clothes and linens to the proper closet or drawer.

Mistakes happen. Everyone makes them but here's some help to save the day-or your favorite shirt.

Laundry is much less overwhelming if you do it frequently. If you let a mountain of dirty laundry accumulate, it can become scary. It may feel like a hassle to go to the laundromat, so find ways to make the trip better like using the time to read, relax, and enjoy the scent of your fresh laundry.

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Laundry Hampered? How to Do Laundry in 10 Easy Steps

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Learning how to do laundry is not difficult. Today's fabrics, detergents, and machines take most of the mystery and mistakes out of the process. Determine first if every item of clothing really needs to be washed. Though it's great to stay on top of your laundry, you can wear many items more than once before they need to be washed.

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Here are 6 tips to help keep your home clean!  1. One room at a time 2. Declutter 3. One task at a time 4. Take a break 5. Find a place for everything 6. Dont set it down, put it away #cleaninghacks #cleaningmotivation #housekeeper #cleantok

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@tidycademypro
Here are 6 tips to help keep your home clean! 1. One room at a time 2. Declutter 3. One task at a time 4. Take a break 5. Find a place for everything 6. Dont set it down, put it away #cleaninghacks #cleaningmotivation #housekeeper #cleantok
♬ Piano music(806606) - Draganov89

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What you need to know / Beth sydd angen i chi ei wybod

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What you need to know / Beth sydd angen i chi ei wybod

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Leaving care and getting your own place is a big step. You might feel excited but also worried and a bit unsettled. Being well prepared can help make sure your move and your time in your new place goes well.

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What you need to know / Beth sydd angen i chi ei wybod

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What you need to know / Beth sydd angen i chi ei wybod

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Setting up your first home - Shelter Cymru

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Setting up your first home is a big step. Make sure you think everything through carefully before moving in and paying any money over. Who will you rent from? Will you live alone or share with others? How will you pay for the rent and bills?

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Support if you are homeless or about to become homeless/ Cymorth os ydych chi’n ddigartref neu ar fin dod yn ddigartref

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Support if you are homeless or about to become homeless/ Cymorth os ydych chi’n ddigartref neu ar fin dod yn ddigartref

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Find a postcode on Royal Mail’s postcode finder

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Support if you are homeless or about to become homeless | GOV.WALES

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If you are about to lose your home and become homeless, there is support to help you.

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Where to get help if you are homeless - The Wallich

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Where to get help if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Wales. The Wallich, Shelter Cymru, Samaritans, Local Authory Homeless and Housing.

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We can run workshops for young people on any of the topic areas covered in our resources.

In the one-to-one workshops we are able to go into more depth on an issue, providing guidance based on the individual's needs.

For more information contact Bethan Wilson, Development Officer, Children in Wales. gettingready@childreninwales.org.uk

Gallwn ni gynnal gweithdai i bobl ifanc ar unrhyw rai o’r meysydd pwnc sy’n cael sylw yn ein hadnoddau.

Yn y gweithdai un-i-un byddwn ni’n gallu edrych yn fanylach ar rywbeth, a rhoi arweiniad ar sail anghenion yr unigolyn.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth, cysylltwch â Bethan Wilson, Swyddog Datblygu, Plant yng Nghymru. gettingready@childreninwales.org.uk

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Landlords: housing law has changed (Renting Homes) / Landlordiaid: Mae cyfraith tai wedi newid (rhentu cartrefi)

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Landlords: housing law has changed (Renting Homes) / Landlordiaid: Mae cyfraith tai wedi newid (rhentu cartrefi)

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Tenants and licensees are called contract-holders under the Act. Contract-holders have occupation contracts (which replace tenancy and licence arrangements).

There are 2 types of occupation contract:

Secure contract: for use by community landlords

Standard contract: this is the default contract for the private rented sector (PRS) but can be used by local authorities and Registered Social Landlords in certain circumstances (for example a supported standard contract within supported accommodation)

There are 4 types of terms that can feature in occupation contracts:

Key matters: the names of the parties and address of the property. These must be inserted in every contract.

Fundamental Terms: cover the most important aspects of the contract, including the possession procedures and the landlord's obligations regarding repairs.

Supplementary Terms: deal with the more practical, day to day matters applying to the occupation contract. For example, the requirement for a contract-holder to notify the landlord if the property is going to be empty for 4 weeks or more.

Additional Terms: addresses any other specifically agreed matters, for example a term which relates to the keeping of pets. Any additional terms must be fair, as required by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

You are required to issue a written statement of the occupation contract to all contract-holders (this replaces your current tenancy or licence agreement). The written statement must contain all the terms of the contract.

For new rentals after the implementation date, the written statement must be issued within 14 days of occupation under the contract. Existing tenancy agreements converted to the relevant occupation contract on the day of implementation and you have a maximum of 6 months to issue a written statement of the converted occupation contract to your contract-holders. The written statement can be issued in hardcopy or electronically (if the contract-holder agrees).

You will need to bear in mind the following matters.

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Landlords: housing law has changed (Renting Homes)

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What the Renting Homes law means for landlords and how you rent out properties.

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You're a landlord if you rent out your property. As a landlord you must:

Fire safety

It's your responsibility to:

Health and safety inspections

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is used by your council to make sure that properties in its area are safe for the people who live there. This involves inspecting your property for possible hazards, such as uneven stairs.

If you own a property and rent it out, the council may decide to do an HHSRS inspection because:

your tenants have asked for an inspection

the council has done a survey of local properties and thinks your property might be hazardous

HHSRS hazard ratings

Inspectors look at 29 health and safety areas and score each hazard they find as category 1 or 2, according to its seriousness.

You must take action on enforcement notices from your council. You also have the right to appeal enforcement notices.

The council can do any of the following if they find a serious hazard:

issue an improvement notice

fix the hazard themselves and bill you for the cost

stop you or anyone else from using part or all of the property

Financial responsibilities

You have to pay the following tax and National Insurance:

Income Tax on your rental income, minus your day-to-day running expenses

Class 2 National Insurance if the work you do renting out property counts as running a business

If you have a mortgage on the property you want to rent out, you must get permission from your mortgage lender.

Regulated tenancies

There are special rules for changing rents and terms for regulated tenancies (usually private tenancies starting before 15 January 1989).

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Landlord responsibilities when renting out your property, including making repairs, health and safety, increasing the rent and changing regulated tenancies.

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12 Ways to Embrace Living Alone / 12 ffordd i gofleidio byw ar eich pen eich hun

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12 Ways to Embrace Living Alone / 12 ffordd i gofleidio byw ar eich pen eich hun

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How to Live Alone: 12 Ways to Embrace It

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Living alone can be pretty darn great if you do it right — here’s how.

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What's the Renting Homes (Wales) Act all about? / Beth yw'r Ddeddf Cartrefi Rhentu (Cymru)?

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What's the Renting Homes (Wales) Act all about? / Beth yw'r Ddeddf Cartrefi Rhentu (Cymru)?

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What's the Renting Homes (Wales) Act all about?

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Landlord obligations / Rhwymedigaethau landlord

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Landlord obligations / Rhwymedigaethau landlord

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NHS services finder near you / Darganfyddwr Gwasanaethau GIG yn agos atoch chi

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NHS services finder near you / Darganfyddwr Gwasanaethau GIG yn agos atoch chi

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Advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing.

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One in four people in Wales fear they may lose their home within the next year.

This winter, donate to Shelter Cymru, if you can, and help the one in four of our friends, our neighbours, our family, who risk losing their home.

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Shelter Cymru exists to defend the right to a safe home. We help thousands of people each year in Wales by offering free, independent advice.

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Our mission is to end homelessness for young people and women. Across Wales we prevent homelessness, provide safe accommodation and support to leave homelessness behind.

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Copyright © The Salvation Army 2023 The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity in England (214779), Wales (214779), Scotland (SC009359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY6399)