The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 was a landmark law passed by the Senedd to create a fairer, safer housing system for everyone in Wales.
It replaced outdated homelessness rules and made councils legally responsible for preventing homelessness before it happens — not just reacting when someone is already on the streets.
The aim is simple: to make homelessness in Wales rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Improving the Private Rented Sector
Before 2014, there was no consistent standard for private landlords. The Act created Rent Smart Wales, a national licensing system for landlords and letting agents.
Every landlord who rents out a home in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales.
Those who manage their own properties must be licensed and complete recognised training.
Letting agents must also hold a licence and meet professional standards.
This helps protect tenants from poor housing and unfair treatment, while improving safety and accountability across the private sector.
A New Approach to Homelessness
Part 2 of the Act is all about prevention and early help.
It changed how local authorities must respond to anyone facing homelessness.
Early help – the “56-day rule”
If you’re likely to become homeless within 56 days, your local council has a duty to help prevent that from happening (Section 66).
That might mean:
Negotiating with your landlord or family.
Helping with rent arrears or benefits advice.
Supporting you to find somewhere new before eviction.
If you’re already homeless
The council must take reasonable steps to help you secure accommodation (Section 73).
This applies to everyone in Wales, not just those in “priority need.”
The focus is on long-term stability, not temporary fixes.
Personal housing plans
Councils must assess your situation and create a Personal Housing Plan (Section 62) — a written plan of what the authority will do and what you can do to find or keep a home.
Priority need still exists
Some people still qualify for additional support if they are in “priority need.”
That includes families with dependent children, care leavers, those fleeing abuse, and people with serious physical or mental health needs (Section 70).
The right to advice
Every local authority must provide free, accessible information and advice (Section 60) on:
- Preventing homelessness.
- Securing and maintaining a tenancy.
- Accessing specialist or emergency help.
Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation
The Act also strengthened equality for Gypsy and Traveller communities.
Councils must regularly assess need and provide suitable authorised sites where required.
(Sections 101–103.)
Local Accountability and Strategy
Every council must review homelessness in its area and publish a Homelessness Strategy at least every four years.
This ensures local plans actually reflect local need — from housing supply to support services.
What This Means for People in Wales
The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 means:
Councils must step in earlier to prevent homelessness.
Private landlords must be registered and trained.
Every resident has a right to clear advice and fair treatment.
Vulnerable individuals receive stronger legal protection.
It also means that housing help isn’t charity — it’s law.
Where to Get Help
If you’re worried about housing or homelessness, reach out as soon as possible.
The earlier you act, the more options there are.
Useful contacts:
Shelter Cymru – 08000 495 495 | sheltercymru.org.uk
Citizens Advice Cymru – citizensadvice.org.uk/wales
Your local council’s Housing Options or Homelessness Team
Rent Smart Wales – rentsmart.gov.wales
Pembrokeshire Care Society – for tenancy, bond and housing support.
Mind Cymru – for mental health and housing-related wellbeing advice.
Dyfed Community Advocacy & Guidance (DCAG) – can offer independent advocacy, information and signposting to local or national support if you’re unsure where to start.
