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Powys Housing Services
Welshpool: 01938 552017 If you are young, fit and single you may be expected to sort yourself out, but you can put your name on the council's housing list. Waiting times vary greatly within Powys with quite short waiting times even for single people in some areas. Speak to your local housing office for further help, advice and information. Click here for phone numbers Here are some useful local contacts. There are many more links to websites on the links page: CAB: Citizens Advice Bureau www.nacab.org.uk
Council Flat or House: Availability varies
greatly depending on where you want to live. It is always worth checking
with your local housing officer: Montgomeryshire: 01938 552828 Housing Associations:
Private Rented: Look in your local paper, estate agents or shop noticeboards. If you rent a house or flat you have legal rights as a tenant. There are laws governing such things as rent increases, repairs, being asked to leave, whether you can take in a lodger etc. Housing laws are very complicated so you should make sure you get good advice before signing anything. Many things depend on what type of tenancy agreement you have. There are two types: Assured shorthold: is where you may be asked to leave after an agreed
period (sometimes only 6 months) To safeguard your interests you should ask for a receipt for any money you hand over. If you pay a damage deposit make sure you agree what fair wear and tear is. If it is furnished accomodation make sure you have an inventory of everything and check all the items yourself. You should make sure you keep a record of all rent paid in a rent book which you can get from the post office. The Foyer Federation in Wales: Hostels for young people aged 16-25 yrs with facilities to help you find work.
Money Matters Before considering renting your own home it is important to sit down and work out on paper what the costs are likely to be. Don't forget when you do find a flat or house the owners may ask for a deposit to set against damage as well as one or two months rent in advance. If you are on benefit you can ask an advice worker for help with claims and working out your weekly budget. If you are working you need to account for all the costs set against what you earn. Weekly Spending could look something like this: House Costs: Rent, Council Tax, Water Rates, Electricity DSS: 020 77122171 www.dwp.gov.uk TV Licence: Customer helpline 08705 763763 www.tvlicensing.co.uk National Debtline: 0808 8084000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk Disabled Living Foundation: 0845 1309177 www.dlf.org.uk |
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