Service Update – April 2024
The Council’s Housing Solutions and Homelessness Services are currently experiencing extreme demand. As a result and in view of the very high number of enquiries at present, the Service is experiencing delays in responding to requests for telephone call-backs or email enquiries.
In view of this, please only attempt contact with the Housing Solutions Service if you are in URGENT housing need eg. you are homeless today or will be homeless imminently.
If you have a general enquiry that is not urgent, you may still make contact with the Service via email to homelessness@rctcbc.gov.uk but please note it may take up to 2-3 weeks to respond to your enquiry.
Other housing help and options are available by either contacting 01443 495188 or by visiting the Council’s website: Housing | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (rctcbc.gov.uk)
If you have already made contact with the Service, please do not attempt contact again. A Housing Solutions Officer WILL respond to your enquiry as soon as they are able to do so.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding at this time due to unprecedented demand on the Council’s Housing Service.
Are you homeless or at risk of homelessness in RCT ?
- Are you being asked to leave by family or friends ?
- Have you been given notice to leave by your Landlord ?
- Are you suffering financial difficulties with your rent or mortgage ?
- Have you received any Orders from the County Court ?
If you are at risk of homelessness, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you contact us as soon as you can. The earlier we know you need help, the more we may be able to help you
Do you need other housing advice eg. ?
- Do you want to know your housing rights ?
- Is your current home unsuitable for your needs ?
- Do you want to know what your housing options are ?
Homelessness Prevention
Effective homeless prevention work is a key priority of the Council to stop people from becoming homeless to begin with. The supply of social and private housing in Rhondda Cynon Taf is very limited so working with you to avoid you becoming homeless where there is an opportunity to do so will be a key task for the Housing Solutions Team. We work with a range of partner agencies and landlords to help us do this and we will also need you to work with us where your homelessness can be prevented.
Temporary Accommodation
If you become homeless, the Council is unlikely to be able to offer you a permanent home straightaway. This may mean that you are placed into a form of “temporary accommodation” which could include bed and breakfast accommodation, shared accommodation, one of the Council’s leasing properties or one of our accommodation hostels. Due to the significant demand on the Council’s temporary accommodation, current stays in temporary accommodation are very long, often in excess of 12 months.
Offers of Accommodation
Due to the extreme demand for all types of Housing in the Borough, we may not be able to offer you accommodation in your area of choice. The availability or accommodation in some areas, particularly in the Taff locality is in very short supply. There are long waits, even when someone is homeless to access permanent accommodation.
Where you are homeless, the Council will undertake an assessment and identify the most suitable type of accommodation for you. This may include independent accommodation in social housing or the private rented sector, shared housing or some form of supported accommodation. Once the Council has identified a suitable housing option for you, the Council’s housing duties to you will come to an end.
What can we do?
- help you to stay in your current home by advising you of your tenancy rights and prevent you from becoming homeless for example when your landlord wants you to leave.
- advise you if you have rent arrears or other financial difficulties
- give advice to those experiencing domestic abuse
- advise of rights regarding landlord disputes
- help explore housing options including accessing the private rented sector and supported accommodation
- information is also available on the Council's homefinder Website
- offer advice on applying to the Common Housing Register and other Housing Associations
- negotiate on your behalf if you need help to get your repairs done or are being harassed by your landlord.
- assess whether you are homeless and advise on temporary accommodation arrangements
Extra help with young people
If you are young and homeless you might lose contact with your friends and family, you could also miss out on education and training. We can provide advice linked to your personal needs and work closely with other agencies to help you get back home or if necessary provide you with temporary accommodation until we can explore other housing options. We will help guide you through the system and help you get back on your feet.
Please Contact Us:
Housing Solutions Service
Sardis House, Sardis Road, Pontypridd, CF37 1DU
Telephone: 01443 495188
Out of Hours Emergency Service: 01443 425011
Office Opening Times
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday - 9am-5pm
Thursday – 1pm-5pm (please note the office is closed on Thursday mornings).
Should you be homeless in an emergency outside of office hours, please contact the Out Of Hours Emergency Line on 01443 425011