Are Landlords Allowed to Cut Off Utilities in Wales?

If you rent a home in Wales, you might wonder what your landlord can (and can’t) do when it comes to essential utilities like gas, electricity, or water. Facing threats of disconnection or actual cut-off can be frightening, especially during disagreements. Below, we explain your rights as a renter in Wales, what UK law says, and what steps you can take if your landlord interferes with your utilities or bills.

Your Legal Right to Utilities in Wales

As a renter in Wales, you are legally entitled to the uninterrupted supply of essential utilities in your home. Landlords are not allowed to cut off, or threaten to cut off, services such as gas, electricity, or water—even if you are behind on rent or have a dispute.

• This protection applies whether you pay utility bills directly, or your landlord arranges the supply as part of your rent.
• “Essential utilities” include gas, electricity, water, and sometimes telecommunications for safety or access reasons.

Cutting off your utilities or deliberately failing to pay bills (when it’s the landlord’s responsibility) is considered an unlawful eviction tactic and is strictly prohibited by law.

The Law: Utility Disconnection is Illegal

Under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, it is a criminal offence for a landlord or agent to:

• Cut off your water, gas, or electricity
• Arrange for a supplier to disconnect you
• Interfere with utility meters
• Fail to pay the bill if this is their responsibility in your tenancy agreement

If this happens, you can report the matter to your local council’s environmental health team or the police. You may also take your case to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

What If You Owe Rent?

Even if you are behind with rent, your landlord does not have the right to disconnect services. They must follow the correct legal process for seeking possession or arrears. Cutting off utilities as a way to force you out is illegal.

What to Do If Your Landlord Threatens or Cuts Off Utilities

If your landlord interferes with your gas, electricity, or water supply:

• Document what happens. Make a written record (dates, times, details of calls or texts).
• Contact your landlord in writing. Explain that it’s a criminal offence to disconnect your utilities and ask for immediate restoration.
• If the issue is not resolved, contact your local council (environmental health or private sector housing team). They have powers to investigate and take action.
• In emergencies (such as total loss of water, gas, or electricity), contact your utility supplier directly and let them know you are a renter.

Reporting and Taking Formal Action

• You may bring a claim for harassment or unlawful eviction at the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
• Evidence like emails, text messages, witness statements, and utility bills can help your claim.
• The council can also prosecute landlords for unlawful eviction or harassment.

Relevant Official Forms

• Renting Homes Wales – Form RHW20 (Harassment/Unlawful Eviction)
  Download Form RHW20 (PDF from Residential Property Tribunal Wales)
  Use this form to apply for a tribunal ruling if your landlord has unlawfully cut off utilities, harassed you, or forced you out. Complete it with details, attach evidence, and submit to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

FAQs About Utility Disconnection in Wales

1. Can my landlord disconnect the electricity if I owe rent?
   No. It is illegal for your landlord to disconnect electricity to force you to pay or leave. They must follow court or tribunal procedures instead.
2. What can I do if my landlord won’t restore my utilities?
   Collect evidence, inform your landlord in writing, and contact your local council’s environmental health team or Residential Property Tribunal Wales for help.
3. Who is responsible for paying utility bills?
   Your tenancy agreement will state this. If your landlord pays and you pay them as part of your rent, they must pass on payments and not leave bills unpaid.
4. Is turning off one utility (like water only) still illegal?
   Yes. Disconnecting any essential utility—water, electricity, or gas—is prohibited by law and counts as harassment.
5. Where can I get official advice or report my landlord?
   Contact your local council or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for advice and action.

Conclusion: Your Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Wales cannot legally disconnect your gas, electricity, or water under any circumstances.
• If this happens, document the issue, contact official bodies, and consider a tribunal claim.
• You are protected by law—and there are practical steps and official forms to help restore your utilities and hold landlords accountable.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Handles tenant complaints about harassment and unlawful eviction.
• Welsh Government – Housing and Renting Advice
• Your local council’s environmental health team – Search "[your council name] housing advice" for contact details.
• Citizens Advice Cymru – Free, confidential advice and support for Welsh tenants.

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1. See Protection from Eviction Act 1977
2. See Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
3. Official forms and guidance: Residential Property Tribunal Wales
4. Landlord guidance on harassment/illegal eviction (Welsh Government)

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