Cleaning Obligations in Welsh Shared Housing: Your Legal Rights

If you rent a room or share a house in Wales, you might wonder what your legal obligations are regarding cleaning. Understanding your rights concerning cleaning duties in your rental agreement or as part of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is especially important in shared accommodation. This guide explains what Welsh law says about cleaning clauses and what you should do if you think your rights are being breached.

What Does the Law Say About Cleaning Duties in Wales?

Rental agreements in Wales — including those for shared housing and HMOs — are governed primarily by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016^[1]. This act lays out the rules for Standard Occupation Contracts, which have replaced previous 'assured shorthold tenancies' in most rental situations in Wales.

Cleaning Clauses: Are They Legally Enforceable?

Landlords in Wales may include reasonable cleaning clauses in your occupation contract, especially in HMOs or shared houses. Usually, these require you to keep your private room clean and to tidy up after yourself in shared areas. However, you cannot be required to carry out cleaning to a professional standard or cover all communal cleaning unless this is part of a fair rota or agreement.

• Any requirement must be clear, reasonable, and not discriminate against certain tenants.
• Landlords are responsible for maintaining the structure, exterior, and essential services (like heating and water), not for regular day-to-day cleaning.
• If you feel the cleaning demands are excessive, you can challenge them, especially if they affect your enjoyment of the property.

Cleaning in HMOs: Extra Rules

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) — homes shared by 3 or more tenants from different households — must meet extra standards. Landlords are legally required to ensure shared facilities (kitchens, bathrooms) are kept in good repair and reasonably clean, even if tenants do most of the day-to-day tidying. You can read more about HMO duties on the official Welsh Government HMO landlord guidance.^[2]

When Is a Cleaning Clause Unfair or Illegal?

Some cleaning obligations may be "unfair terms" under the law. For example, a clause forcing you to hire professional cleaners at your expense is likely invalid unless justified by contract or excessive mess at the end of your tenancy. If you are unsure, you can seek help from Citizens Advice or contact the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.^[3]

How to Challenge Unreasonable Cleaning Duties

If you believe your landlord is imposing unfair cleaning duties, here are your options:

• Speak with your landlord or letting agent first — sometimes misunderstandings are easily resolved.
• Put your concerns in writing, explaining why you believe the clause is unreasonable.
• If not resolved, seek advice from your local council’s housing department or Citizens Advice.

If necessary, you may apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales to resolve disputes over unfair contract terms.

Relevant Official Forms

• Application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales:
  View all application forms here.
  
  • Form: RPT1 Application (no specific number)
  • When to use: If you are disputing an unfair contract term (such as an excessive cleaning clause), complete the RPT1 form to bring the matter to the Tribunal.
  • Example: You and your housemates are being asked to deep-clean the property every week and feel this goes beyond your legal responsibility. You can submit an RPT1 to challenge this term.

Where to Get Help: Tribunal and Legal Support

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales: Handles disputes related to residential tenancies, including unfair contract terms and HMOs.
• Welsh Government Renting Homes resources: Up-to-date information on renters' rights and housing legislation.

FAQs on Cleaning Duties in Rental Agreements (Wales)

1. Can my landlord force me to do communal cleaning in a shared house?
   Landlords can ask you to keep shared spaces tidy, but regular "deep cleaning" or excessive demands may be unfair. Landlords are responsible for ensuring shared areas in HMOs are kept to an acceptable standard.
2. Is a cleaning rota in my contract legally binding?
   A fair cleaning rota can be included in your occupation contract, but if it is unreasonable or discriminatory, you may challenge it via the Tribunal.
3. What should I do if my landlord threatens eviction over cleaning?
   You cannot be evicted solely for refusing unreasonable cleaning demands. If threatened, contact tenant support services and consider applying to the Tribunal.
4. Are cleaning deductions from my deposit legal?
   Landlords can only deduct from your deposit for cleaning if you leave the property in a worse condition than when you moved in, not for normal use.
5. Where can I report unfair cleaning terms?
   Contact your local council's housing department or submit an application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if discussions with your landlord fail.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Renting Homes hub: Policy, rights, and guidance for renters
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales: Dispute resolution and guidance
• Citizens Advice: Free support and advice for renters
• Housing advice and benefits (Welsh Government)

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1. [1] Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. [2] Welsh Government HMO landlord responsibilities
3. [3] Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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