Veterans and families:
your guide to getting help with renting a home in Wales
If you’re a veteran looking into renting a home in Wales, whether privately or through social housing, there’s targeted help available.
Here’s a guide on what you need to know.
Time to read:
This guidance is for Wales. There are separate guides for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Your rights when renting privately in Wales
Wales uses a different legal framework from England and Scotland. Most people renting privately have an occupation contract (not a ‘tenancy’), introduced under the Renting Homes reforms.
As a private renter, you benefit from protections including:
- deposits (for example, deposit protection rules)
- notice and eviction procedures
- property standards (safe, habitable homes)
If you receive housing support (such as Universal Credit), landlords should not apply blanket bans. If you’re treated unfairly, support organisations may be able to help you challenge it.
Getting help with renting privately
Veterans in Wales can access a mix of national support and local services to help secure and sustain rental housing.
Your local council
Every local authority can:
- give personalised housing advice based on your situation
- help prevent homelessness
- assess you for financial support (for example, help with deposits or short‑term rent gaps)
Tip: Always tell councils or charities that you’re a veteran – it can unlock additional support and ensure your service history is properly considered.
Housing and homelessness prevention services
If you’re struggling to find somewhere to live, or you’re worried you might lose your home, ask for help early. Councils in Wales have duties to help prevent homelessness and support people at risk.
Organisations that can provide advice about your housing situation
SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity
SSAFA’s advisors can provide impartial, practical support for veterans in Wales who are looking to rent privately. While they cannot offer legal advice, they can help you understand your options and may be able to support access to financial assistance, such as help with rent deposits or essential household items.
They can also:
- talk you through your housing situation and next steps
- help if you are struggling to maintain a tenancy
- support you if you are at risk of homelessness
As part of the wider support network, SSAFA can also connect you to other organisations that may be able to help.
Bulldogs Boxing & Community Activities
Bulldogs Boxing & Community Activities is a VALOUR-recognised centre offering a welcoming, community-based space for veterans in Wales to access support.
Their team can:
- help you explore your housing options, including renting
- support you to access local housing services
- connect you with specialist organisations for financial or tenancy support
As a VALOUR-recognised centre, they can take the lead in coordinating support on your behalf, helping you navigate different services and making referrals where needed.
If you’re unsure where to start, they can help you take the first step.
Woody’s Lodge
Woody’s Lodge is a VALOUR-recognised organisation supporting veterans across Wales with a range of needs, including housing.
Their team can:
- offer one-to-one support to understand your situation
- help you find appropriate rental options
- connect you with trusted partners for housing, financial or wellbeing support
They can also coordinate referrals across the VALOUR network, helping ensure you receive joined-up support without needing to repeat your story multiple times.
Whether you need immediate help or just want to understand your options, Woody’s Lodge offers a calm, supportive place to start.
Need more options?
The GOV.UK veteran support directory allows you to search and filter organisations in one place. It’s a helpful tool for finding services that fit your situation.
Veterans and social housing in Wales
Local councils are encouraged to include those that have served in the armed forces on their social housing priority lists, particularly those who have recently left service or have a significant service-related injuries or disabilities.
Local councils may award additional priority to veterans, especially if you have urgent housing needs.
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may be treated as being in priority need, depending on circumstances.
There isn’t a blanket exemption from the ‘local connection’ rule for veterans, but councils often take military service into account when assessing applications.
Priority increases your chances of being offered housing, but it does not guarantee it. You’ll still need to meet local eligibility criteria and demonstrate need.
How can I find affordable rental homes as a veteran?
Use a mix of public and veteran‑specific routes:
Apply through local councils for social housing and housing support.
Register with housing associations operating in areas you want to live.
Reach out to veteran charities for personalised advice and potential housing opportunities.
Ask your council or charities about affordable private rented schemes in your area – some work with landlords to keep rents below market levels.
Some areas in Wales also operate Housing First or supported housing programmes, which may be relevant if you have additional support needs.
Veteran-specific housing in Wales
Veterans can access specialist housing through:
- referrals from councils or charities to veteran housing providers
- supported accommodation for those transitioning out of service or facing housing instability
- collaboration between councils and veteran organisations to prioritise suitable placements
Tip: When speaking with a council or charity, ask:
“Are there any veteran-specific housing options or referrals you can make for me?”
Veteran-specific housing providers in Wales
Veteran-specific housing in Wales includes:
- supported accommodation for those experiencing difficulties
- general housing providers
Supported accommodation
Alabaré (Homes for Veterans)
Alabaré provides supported accommodation for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including provision in Wales.
Their homes offer safe, stable housing alongside tailored support to help you rebuild independence. This can include help with:
- accessing healthcare and mental health support
- developing life skills and routines
- finding training, education or employment
- moving on to long-term independent housing
Accommodation is typically shared, with support staff available to work with you on your individual plan and goals.
General housing
Haig Housing Trust
Haig Housing Trust provides affordable, rented housing for veterans and their families in Wales.
They offer secure homes to help veterans live independently, particularly those who may be facing housing difficulties or need long‑term stability.
Haig works with local authorities and support organisations to help veterans find and sustain suitable accommodation.
Need more options?
The GOV.UK veteran support directory allows you to search and filter organisations in one place. It’s a helpful tool for finding services that fit your situation.
Renting a home in Wales: practical tips for veterans
Use deposit support: Ask your council about deposit guarantees or bond schemes for veterans.
Prepare documents: Photo ID, proof of income or benefits, references (a charity support worker can sometimes provide one).
Know your rights: If a landlord or agent says ‘no benefits’, challenge it – or ask a charity or advice service to help you challenge it on your behalf.
Quick checklist
Tell your local council you’re a veteran and ask about housing support and deposit schemes.
Register with housing associations in areas where you want to live.
Contact veteran charities for tailored advice and housing options.
Ask about veteran-specific referrals or supported housing pathways.
If renting privately, remember: blanket ‘no benefits’ bans are unlawful – don’t self‑exclude.
You don’t have to navigate renting alone
Whether you’re newly leaving the armed forces or have been a civilian for years, support is available to help you find a safe, stable home in Wales.
Reach out early, make your veteran status known and take advantage of the services designed to support you.