Depending on your occupation contract (tenancy agreement) type, you may have different options available to you to access more appropriate accommodation. However, the waiting list for social housing is very long and there are currently over 8,000 people on the social housing waiting list.
If your property is not big enough for your family’s needs, you may be able to get help from the Housing Advice Service.
We will complete an assessment of your home to find out if you are statutorily overcrowded. If you are, we will help you with looking for alternative accommodation in the private rented sector. We will also complete a financial and needs assessment to make sure the alternative accommodation is suitable and affordable for you.
If your property is in disrepair
If your property is in disrepair, you need to tell your landlord or agent. You should try to contact them by text or email so you have a record.
They have a responsibility to make sure the property meets specific standards, and it is likely they will want to know about any disrepair as early as possible.
If you are struggling to resolve it, you can contact Shared Regulatory Services who will carry out an inspection of your property and tell you what action they may be able to take on your behalf. You can also contact the Housing Advice Service who are able to offer advice and support around disrepair. We will be able to liaise with your landlord and Shared Regulatory Services to gather all relevant information and help find the most appropriate solution.
If your property is unsuitable because of medical needs
If your property is unsuitable because of medical needs, you may be able to get help from our Prevention Team. We will complete an assessment of your home and your medical needs to work out if you need any adaptations in your current home or if you need specialist accommodation.
We will explore whether we can help you make adaptations in your current home. If we cannot, we will help you to look for alternative accommodation in the private rented sector.
If your property is not big enough for your family’s needs and you are a housing association contract-holder (tenant), you need to speak with your housing officer. They will help you with an application for the housing transfer list.
If your property is in disrepair, you will need to tell your housing association.
If your property is unsuitable because of medical needs and you are a housing association contract-holder, you need to speak with your housing officer. They will be able to either help you with adapting your current accommodation. If this is not possible, they will help you apply to transfer.
If you have been a contract-holder for more than 1 year and have a secure occupation contract, you can register with Homeswapper for an exchange.
If you choose to contact the Housing Advice Service for help, our support would be to look for privately rented accommodation. You are likely to lose the secure occupation contract rights you currently have with the housing association.
It is important that you start this process as early as possible so your housing officer can make these enquiries and help you find a solution.
If your property is not big enough for your family’s needs and you are a Cardiff Council contract-holder (tenant), you can ask for a housing transfer by:
- calling 029 2053 7111,
- emailing housingenquiries@cardiff.gov.uk,
- or visiting a Hub.
If your property is in disrepair, please report it to us.
If you are a council contract-holder and your property in unsuitable because of medical needs, you will need to contact Tenancy Management by emailing TenancyManagement@cardiff.gov.uk.
If you have been a contract-holder for more than 1 year and have a secure occupation contract, you can register with Homeswapper for an exchange.
If you choose to contact the Housing Advice Service for help, our support would be to look for privately rented accommodation. You are likely to lose the secure occupation contract rights you currently have with the council.
It is important that you start this process as early as possible so your housing officer can make these enquiries and help you find a solution.
If your property is unsuitable because it is too big
If you are struggling with the rent, utility bills, or garden maintenance because you are living in a house that is too big for your needs, you can contact our Right Sizing Co-Ordinator who can help you look at suitable properties.
They can help with any problems you are having with finding a different sized property and can see what incentives are available to help you to move. For more information, please email SLUVisiting@cardiff.gov.uk or call 029 2053 7522.
