Cardiff

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Housing Support

Guidance on renting, buying, and understanding council services for housing in Cardiff.

Sections

1. Financial Assistance for Housing in Cardiff

a. Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is a government-provided financial support to help people on low incomes pay their rent. It is being gradually replaced by Universal Credit, but some individuals may still qualify.

  • Eligibility:

    • Low-income individuals or families.
    • Must be renting from a private landlord, housing association, or council.
    • Savings must generally be below ยฃ16,000 (unless receiving Pension Credit).
    • Not available to most people who are working-age and need to apply for Universal Credit instead.

  • How to Apply:

    • Applications are made through Cardiff Council if you are eligible for Housing Benefit (e.g., pensioners or those in supported housing).
    • Visit the Cardiff Council website or contact the Housing Benefit team directly.

  • Costs: Free to apply. The amount you receive depends on your income, savings, and rent.

b. Universal Credit (Housing Element)

Universal Credit includes a "housing element" to help with rent payments.

  • Eligibility:

    • Low-income individuals or families, whether employed or unemployed.
    • Must be renting a property.
    • Savings must be below ยฃ16,000.

  • How to Apply:

    • Apply online via the UK Governmentโ€™s Universal Credit portal.
    • You will need to provide proof of identity, income, and tenancy agreement.

  • Costs: Free to apply. Payments are made monthly and depend on your circumstances.

c. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

If you are receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit but still struggle to pay rent, you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

  • Eligibility:

    • Must already be receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element).
    • Must demonstrate financial hardship or special circumstances.

  • How to Apply:

    • Applications are made through Cardiff Council.
    • You will need to provide evidence of your financial situation and reasons for needing additional support.

  • Costs: Free to apply. Payments are temporary and based on individual needs.

d. Council Tax Reduction

If you are on a low income, you may qualify for a reduction in your Council Tax bill.

  • Eligibility:

    • Low-income households or those receiving certain benefits.
    • Savings must generally be below ยฃ16,000.

  • How to Apply:

    • Apply through Cardiff Councilโ€™s website or contact their Council Tax Reduction team.

  • Costs: Free to apply. The reduction depends on your income and household circumstances.

2. Local Housing Services in Cardiff

a. Cardiff Housing Options Centre

The Cardiff Housing Options Centre provides advice and support for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in need of housing assistance.

  • Services Offered:

    • Help finding emergency accommodation.
    • Advice on renting privately or applying for social housing.
    • Support for people facing eviction or struggling to pay rent.

  • How to Access:

    • Visit the Housing Options Centre at Hansen Street, Cardiff.
    • Call 029 2057 0750 to book an appointment or get advice.

  • Costs: Free.

b. Social Housing

Social housing is affordable housing provided by the council or housing associations.

  • Eligibility:

    • Priority is given to those in urgent need (e.g., homeless, overcrowded housing, or medical needs).
    • Must be on the Cardiff Housing Waiting List.

  • How to Apply:

    • Register on the Cardiff Housing Waiting List via the Cardiff Council website.
    • Provide proof of identity, income, and housing need.

  • Costs: Rent is typically lower than private rentals. Costs vary depending on the property and your income.

c. Private Renting Support

Cardiff Council offers support for those looking to rent privately, including advice on finding properties and understanding tenancy agreements.

  • Services Offered:

    • Help with deposits through the Bond Scheme (see below).
    • Advice on tenant rights and responsibilities.

  • How to Access:

    • Contact Cardiff Councilโ€™s Housing Options team for advice.

  • Costs: Free advice. Rent and deposit costs depend on the property.

d. Bond Scheme

The Bond Scheme helps people on low incomes secure private rental properties by providing a bond guarantee instead of a cash deposit.

  • Eligibility:

    • Low-income individuals or families.
    • Must demonstrate financial need and ability to pay rent.

  • How to Apply:

    • Contact Cardiff Councilโ€™s Housing Options team to check eligibility and apply.

  • Costs: Free to apply. The bond acts as a guarantee for the landlord.

e. Emergency Accommodation

For those who are homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness, Cardiff Council provides emergency accommodation.

  • Eligibility:

    • Must be homeless or at risk of homelessness.
    • Priority is given to vulnerable individuals (e.g., families with children, people with disabilities).

  • How to Access:

    • Contact the Housing Options Centre immediately.
    • Call 029 2057 0750 or visit in person.

  • Costs: Free or low-cost, depending on circumstances.

3. Additional Local Resources and Considerations

a. Shelter Cymru

Shelter Cymru is a charity offering free, independent housing advice and support.

  • Services Offered:

    • Legal advice on housing issues.
    • Support for tenants facing eviction or housing discrimination.

  • How to Access:

    • Visit their website (www.sheltercymru.org.uk) or call their helpline at 08000 495 495.

  • Costs: Free.

b. Citizens Advice Cardiff

Citizens Advice provides free advice on housing, benefits, and financial issues.

  • How to Access:

    • Visit their office in Cardiff or call 03444 772 020.

  • Costs: Free.

c. Renting in Cardiff

  • Average Rent Costs:
    • One-bedroom flat: ยฃ700โ€“ยฃ900 per month.
    • Two-bedroom flat: ยฃ900โ€“ยฃ1,200 per month.
    • Shared accommodation: ยฃ400โ€“ยฃ600 per month per room.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Popular areas for affordable housing include Cathays, Roath, and Grangetown.
    • Always check tenancy agreements carefully and ensure landlords are registered with Rent Smart Wales.

d. Rent Smart Wales

Rent Smart Wales is a government initiative ensuring landlords and agents are licensed and properties meet legal standards.

  • How to Access:
    • Visit their website (www.rentsmart.gov.wales) to check if a landlord is registered.

Summary of Steps to Access Housing Support in Cardiff

  1. Assess your financial situation and determine eligibility for benefits (e.g., Housing Benefit, Universal Credit).
  2. Contact Cardiff Councilโ€™s Housing Options Centre for advice and support.
  3. Apply for social housing or private renting assistance if needed.
  4. Use local resources like Shelter Cymru and Citizens Advice for additional help.
  5. Ensure landlords are registered with Rent Smart Wales before signing a tenancy agreement.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources available, you can navigate the housing system in Cardiff effectively. Let me know if you need further assistance!