If you rent a home in Wales and are concerned about safety—like broken fire alarms, damp, mould, or dangerous wiring—it’s natural to worry whether complaining could put your tenancy at risk. This guide explains your rights as a renter in Wales, the legal protections you have against eviction for raising safety concerns, and what to do if you think your landlord is acting unfairly.
Your Right to Raise Safety Issues in Wales
All tenants in Wales have the right to live in a property that meets basic health, safety, and fire standards. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring homes are safe to live in. If you notice a hazard, reporting it is not just your right—it helps keep you and future tenants safe.
Legal Protection Against Retaliatory Eviction
Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 20161, landlords cannot evict you simply because you reported a repair or safety issue. This is known as protection against retaliatory eviction.
- If you officially complain about safety or repairs to your landlord (in writing) or to the local council, and the council then serves your landlord with an improvement notice, your landlord cannot evict you with a "no fault" notice for a set period after the notice is issued.
- These rules help prevent landlords from making you leave because you’ve exercised your legal rights.
If you believe you’re experiencing a retaliatory eviction, you can get help from your local council or challenge the eviction at the relevant tribunal.
What Counts as a 'Safety Issue'?
- Fire & carbon monoxide alarms not working
- Severe damp or mould
- Hazardous gas or electrical installations
- Blocked fire escapes
- Burst pipes or unsafe stairs
Official standards are set by the Welsh Government's Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
What to Do If You Need to Report a Safety Issue
- Step 1: Report the issue in writing to your landlord or letting agent. Keep copies of all emails or letters.
- Step 2: If your landlord does not respond or fix the issue within a reasonable time, contact your local council’s environmental health team.
- Step 3: The council can inspect the property and, if needed, issue an Improvement Notice to your landlord, requiring repairs.
Relevant Forms and How to Use Them
- Improvement Notice (Section 13, Housing Act 2004):
Used by the local council after inspecting hazards. If the council serves this notice on your landlord, you gain protection from "no fault" eviction for six months.
For more details, see the official government repairs and standards guidance. - Application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales: If you disagree with your landlord's actions or receive a notice you believe is retaliatory, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for help and to challenge the notice.
Example: If your landlord tries to evict you after you complain about mould, and the council later serves an improvement notice, you should share this with the tribunal—they may declare the eviction notice invalid.
Challenging an Eviction or Complaint in Wales
If you receive a possession notice (like a 'no fault' Section 173 notice), check if:
- You reported a safety issue before the notice was served
- The council issued an improvement notice about the problem
If both are true, the eviction notice may not be valid. You can challenge it before the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
Key takeaway: Reporting safety hazards is protected in Welsh law—your landlord cannot evict you just for speaking up.
FAQ: Reporting Safety Issues and Eviction in Wales
- Can my landlord evict me after I complain about repairs?
Not legally. If you complain about safety or repairs and the council takes action, your landlord cannot use "no fault" eviction for 6 months after a formal improvement notice. - What is a retaliatory eviction in Wales?
This is when a landlord tries to remove a tenant because they raised concerns about repairs or safety. Welsh law protects you from this type of eviction. - How do I contact my local council about safety hazards?
Find your local council's contact or housing team via the official council finder tool. They handle environmental health issues for renters. - What is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales?
This is the independent tribunal that handles housing disputes, including challenges to eviction notices and repairs complaints in Wales. Their official website is here. - Is it safe to report my landlord if I’m worried about losing my home?
Yes. The law protects you from eviction for reporting legitimate issues. Always keep written records and contact your local council for support if needed.
Key Takeaways for Renters in Wales
- Welsh law protects you from eviction if you report safety or repair issues and the council acts.
- Always use written communication when reporting problems and keep copies.
- The Residential Property Tribunal Wales is there to resolve housing disputes and challenges.
Speaking up about property safety is your right; help is available if you need it.
Need Help? Resources for Renters
- Government guidance on repairs and safety in private renting
- Residential Property Tribunal Wales – for challenges and disputes
- Find your local council – to report hazards or get housing advice
- Shelter Cymru: Repairs and bad conditions advice
