Problems with housemates

Problems with housemates can be hard to resolve. What you can do usually depends on what the problem is and whose name the contract is in. 

Can you agree a solution? 

The first step towards solving any problem with your housemates is to discuss the situation. Ensure each person makes it clear what s/he wants – you may be able to reach a satisfactory compromise before the problem gets too serious. Think about inviting an impartial person from outside your household to help negotiate. 

Many problems in shared accommodation are to do with mundane things such as the washing-up, the volume of music or smoking in shared spaces. In these situations, if talking doesn’t help, the only options may be to put up with the situation or move out. 

Can you ask the landlord for help? 

If talking doesn’t sort the problem out it may be worth asking your landlord for help. In some cases s/he may be able to take action against the people responsible, although you can’t force them to do this. What your landlord can do depends on the type of contract you have and the particular problem in your household. 

What about extreme cases? 

In very extreme cases you may be able to get help from the council or the police. This is only likely to be possible in situations where: 

  • another contract holder  has threatened you with violence 
  • the noise or damage caused is so severe that it has become a serious nuisance 
  • there is racial or sexual harassment. 

If you are in any of these situations, get help immediately. 

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Yn anffodus, ni allwn ddarparu'r wybodaeth hon yn Gymraeg. Mae cyfieithiad Cymraeg ar gael trwy'r ddolen Cymorth Clyweledol ar frig y dudalen. Fodd bynnag, ni fydd y cyfieithiad yn gwbl gywir bob amser gan ei fod yn cael ei gynhyrchu'n awtomatig
Unfortunately, we cannot provide this information in Welsh. There is a Welsh translation available via the Audio Visual Help link at the top of the page. However, these will not always be completely accurate as they are automatically generated.

This page was last updated on: December 8, 2022

Shelter Cymru acknowledges the support of Shelter in allowing us to adapt their content. The information contained on this site is updated and maintained by Shelter Cymru and only gives general guidance on the law in Wales. It should not be regarded or relied upon as a complete or authoritative statement of the law.