Claiming Compensation from Your Landlord in Wales: A Renter's Guide

Are you dealing with unresolved repairs, illegal eviction, or another issue caused by your landlord in Wales? Knowing how to get compensation from a landlord can help you assert your tenancy rights and seek redress for loss or inconvenience. This guide explains what steps you can take, the relevant tribunal, forms you might use, and what tenancy laws protect you as a renter in Wales.

When Can a Renter Seek Compensation from a Landlord?

There are several situations where you can request compensation, including:

• Disrepair: Your landlord has not carried out necessary repairs, and you've suffered loss or inconvenience.
• Illegal eviction: You have been removed from your home without the correct legal process.
• Deposit issues: Your landlord has failed to protect your deposit in an approved scheme, or did not return it appropriately.
• Breach of quiet enjoyment or harassment: Your landlord interferes with your right to live in your home peacefully.

In Wales, social and private renters are protected under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 which sets out landlord duties and repair obligations.¹

How to Seek Compensation: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps if you believe you are entitled to compensation:

• 1. Raise the issue in writing: Contact your landlord with details of the problem and explain why you feel compensation is appropriate.
• 2. Keep records: Save all communications and evidence, such as photos, letters, and receipts for any expenses.
• 3. Try to resolve informally: Many issues can be settled through negotiation—consider proposing a reasonable amount of compensation.
• 4. Use official complaint procedures: If your landlord doesn’t respond, escalate to a letting agent’s complaints process (if applicable) or refer to your local council’s housing team.
• 5. Apply to the tribunal: If informal steps fail, renters can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales to claim compensation, for example, for illegal eviction or housing disrepair.²

This process ensures you have tried every stage before taking formal action.

Common Official Forms for Renters in Wales

• RHW23 (Application by contract-holder to the Tribunal – Fitness for Human Habitation):
  Use this form to apply to the tribunal if your rental property is not fit for human habitation and your landlord has not carried out necessary repairs.
  Download RHW23 Application Form
  Example: If your landlord ignores repeated requests to fix severe damp, use RHW23 to start a compensation claim with the tribunal.
• Deposit Protection Schemes Complaint (Direct to scheme):
  If your deposit is not returned or protected, contact your deposit scheme (such as government-approved deposit protection schemes), requesting compensation for non-compliance.
  Example: Your landlord fails to protect your deposit; you claim up to three times the deposit amount through the county court with support from the scheme.
• Illegal eviction application (RHW18):
  Form used to refer an illegal eviction matter to the tribunal. If you have been unlawfully evicted, you may be entitled to compensation.
  Download RHW18 Application Form
  Example: If your landlord changes the locks without a court order, submit RHW18 to seek reinstatement and compensation.

Always check the latest application processes and forms with the Residential Property Tribunal Wales before applying.

Which Tribunal Handles Disputes in Wales?

The Residential Property Tribunal Wales handles most residential tenancy compensation cases in Wales, including disputes over repairs, possession, fitness for habitation, and illegal eviction.²

Relevant Legislation: Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

All private and social renters in Wales are protected by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. This law:

• Defines duties for landlords on repairs and health and safety.
• Sets rules for eviction and rights to compensation if illegally evicted.
• Covers minimum housing standards renters are entitled to.

Read the full text of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 for further detail.

What Evidence Do I Need for a Compensation Claim?

Gathering good evidence strengthens your claim. Examples include:

• Photos or videos of repair problems or disrepair
• Copies of emails, letters, or messages to your landlord
• Medical reports (if health was affected)
• Receipts for costs you paid (e.g., replacing damaged belongings)
• Statements from witnesses or neighbours

This will help the tribunal assess your case fairly.

What to Expect After Making a Claim

When you submit a formal complaint or tribunal application, you can typically expect:

• An acknowledgement of your application
• A tribunal hearing (in person or online) to review evidence from both sides
• A decision and possible compensation award if the claim is successful

Tribunal decisions are legally binding. In some cases, you may be offered mediation before a full hearing.

1. What kinds of issues can I claim compensation for as a renter in Wales?
   Common issues include failure to carry out repairs, illegal eviction, not protecting your deposit, or harassment by the landlord.
2. How much compensation am I likely to receive?
   The amount varies, depending on your losses and the severity of the landlord’s actions. For deposit issues, up to three times your deposit may be awarded by the court.
3. How long does it take to get compensation?
   It can take several weeks or months for your case to be heard and resolved, depending on case complexity and tribunal resources.
4. Do I need a solicitor to apply for compensation?
   You do not need a solicitor, but legal advice or help from advocacy services (like Shelter Cymru) can be very helpful, especially in complex cases.
5. Can I apply for compensation if my landlord won't respond to my repair requests?
   Yes. If informal communication fails, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales to enforce repairs and seek compensation if you have suffered loss or inconvenience.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Always document repair issues, losses, and communications with your landlord.
• Try informal resolution first, but use official forms and the tribunal if needed.
• Wales renters are protected by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — know your rights and act quickly if issues arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Cymru – Free expert housing advice and support.
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Apply online, access forms, find guidance and timetables.
• Citizens Advice Cymru: Housing Advice – Free advice on tenant rights and compensation claims.
• GOV.UK – Private Renting – General renter rights and official links.

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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