Tenants and renters in Wales have specific protections when boilers break or when gas safety is at risk. This page explains who is responsible for repairs, the annual gas-safety check tenants should expect, and what to do when landlords do not act promptly. You will find clear steps to report hazards, examples of urgent versus non-urgent problems, and guidance on using official forms like the Gas Safety Record (CP12) and seeking help from the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or your local authority. The language is plain, with practical examples so you can document problems, communicate effectively with your landlord, and escalate safely if repairs are delayed.
Your rights as a tenant in Wales
Landlords are responsible for ensuring gas appliances, flues and pipework are safe and for arranging an annual gas-safety check by a qualified engineer; tenants should expect a copy of the Gas Safety Record (often called a CP12) after every check.[1] If a boiler or gas appliance is dangerous you should tell your landlord in writing, keep records and, if necessary, contact your local authority environmental health team or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to seek enforcement.[2][3]
Gas safety checks and the main official forms
Key official forms and documents you should know about:
- Gas Safety Record (CP12) — issued after an annual check; this confirms the engineer inspected appliances and noted any defects. Example: if your boiler leaks carbon monoxide, the CP12 will record the fault and the date a fix is required.
- First-tier Tribunal application (Property Chamber) — use the tribunal application process when you need a formal decision about repairs, disrepair deductions or landlord failure to act. Example: you can apply if repeated requests for an urgent boiler repair are ignored.
Official guidance on landlord gas-safety duties and how CP12 records work is available from GOV.UK and you should refer to that guidance when asking for copies of checks or when challenging unsafe conditions.[1]
When repairs are urgent
Urgent problems include no heating in cold weather, a gas smell, visible carbon monoxide signs or an appliance causing loss of hot water when it is essential. Notify your landlord immediately in writing, state the hazard, request an emergency visit and keep a dated copy.
- Call your landlord or letting agent and follow up with an email or certified letter describing the issue and the risk.
- Take dated photos or video of the problem and save engineer reports or invoices once work is done.
- If you smell gas, call the gas emergency services and do not use matches, switches or open flames.
What to do if your landlord won’t act
Start with clear written requests, keep a record, then escalate: contact your local authority environmental health for hazards, seek advice from tenants services in Wales, and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for an order requiring repairs or compensation.[4]
Costs, deductions and emergency repairs
Tenants should not withhold rent lightly. There are limited circumstances where local authorities may make arrangements or the tribunal may allow a rent reduction or order repayment if a landlord is liable and fails to repair. Always get legal advice or tenancy support before taking rent-related actions.
How to keep safe and evidence-ready
- Keep copies of all communications, CP12 records and any engineer invoices.
- Only allow qualified Gas Safe engineers to work on appliances and ask to see their ID and registration details.
FAQ
- Who must arrange the annual gas safety check?
- Landlords are legally required to arrange an annual gas-safety check for properties with gas appliances and provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Record (CP12).
- Can I arrange a repair myself and claim the cost back?
- Only in narrow circumstances; you should get written permission or clear legal advice first. Keep all receipts and send the landlord a formal request for reimbursement before proceeding.
- When should I contact the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)?
- Contact the tribunal if the landlord persistently fails to arrange repairs, after you have used local authority enforcement or mediation and you need a formal decision or order.
How-To
- Report the problem to your landlord in writing, include dates, photos and the safety risk.
- Ask for an urgent appointment and a copy of the engineer's report or CP12 once completed.
- If the landlord does not act, contact your local authority environmental health to report a gas or safety hazard.
- Collect all evidence, then consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for an order if enforcement is needed.
- Follow any tribunal directions and keep copies of decisions and payments for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must keep gas appliances safe and provide annual CP12 records.
- Report hazards immediately, document everything and seek local authority help for urgent risks.
- You can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if the landlord fails to act.
Help and Support / Resources
- Rent Smart Wales
- Welsh Government: private rented sector guidance
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
