The Commision for Racial Equality (CRE)

has produced two housing codes of practice, both statutory, for the rented and non-rented (owner occupied) sectors. They set out detailed guidance on the Race Relations Act, provide examples of good practice in each field, and contain recommendations for landlords and housing providers to adapt to particular circumstances.

• Housing

Over recent years many organisations responsible for providing housing have begun to set up systems which should help to prevent discrimination. Apart from individual agencies, a lead has been given by such national agencies as the local authority associations, the National Federation of Housing Associations and the Housing Corporation. Policies have been developed which should, if they are implemented properly, prevent discrimination against ethnic minorities.

There are three possible routes when looking for rented accommodation

• Private Landlords
• Local Authorities
• Housing Associations

It will be different wherever you live, if you know who your landlord is and if you have a problem then please follow the appropriate links. If you have problems with a Private Landlord then your local Citizens Advice Bureau should be able to direct you to the right organisation.

If you are looking for accommodation then you might need to contact the Local Authority and / or the Housing Association. Remember that, depending where you live, some Housing Associations cross Local Authority Boundaries.

Applying for Registered Social Landlord (RSL) / Housing Association Housing

The following are links to the Welsh Assembly Governments website and give information on the overall strategy for the renting of housing in Wales.

• Housing Associations

If you know that you need to talk to a Housing Association please click on this link and it will take you directly to the NWREP welcome page. NWREP is a partnership of North Wales based Housing Associations. If you know which Housing Association covers your area then link directly from the following:

• Clwyd Alyn Housing Association (a member of the Pennaf Housing Group),
• Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd,
• Cymdeithas Tai Eryri,
• Wales & West Housing Association.

Applying for Local Authority Housing

The following are links to the Welsh Assembly Governments website and give information on the overall strategy for the renting of housing in Wales

• Local Authority Housing

To apply for local authority housing in your area click on Housing and follow the links.

• Ombudsman

For the first time, Wales has a single Ombudsman combining the reponsibility for all of the Public Services in Wales including Social Housing and complaints about Registered Social Landlords (housing Associations). Click on the link above or e-mail ask@ombudsman.org.uk