Dealing With Disrepair Issues as a Tenant in Wales

Living with disrepair can be distressing, especially if your landlord isn’t responding. As a renter in Wales, you have important rights under the law that protect you and ensure your home meets certain standards for safety and comfort.

What Counts as Disrepair in Wales?

Disrepair refers to maintenance problems that your landlord is legally required to fix. Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords must keep the property in good condition throughout your tenancy. Common examples of disrepair include:

• Leaks, damp, and mould
• Broken heating or hot water systems
• Structural issues (roof, windows, doors)
• Unsafe electrics or gas appliances
• Broken toilets, showers, or kitchen facilities

These issues can affect your health and wellbeing. By law, landlords must ensure your home is fit for human habitation throughout your contract.

Landlord Responsibilities and Timeframes

Your landlord’s duties under Welsh law include:

• Repairing structural defaults and utilities
• Maintaining safe gas and electrical systems
• Addressing hazards that threaten health or safety

After you report a repair, landlords must act within a “reasonable” time. What is reasonable depends on how serious the problem is. For urgent issues like heating breakdowns in winter, they are expected to respond more quickly than minor issues like a dripping tap.

How to Report Disrepair to Your Landlord

As soon as you notice a problem, inform your landlord in writing (email or letter) and keep a copy. Include details and, if possible, photos. Clearly explain what is wrong and request repairs within a suitable timeframe.

What If Your Landlord Doesn’t Act?

If the landlord ignores your request or fails to fix the problem in a reasonable period, take the following steps:

• Send a written reminder. Outline the issue again and note how long you’ve waited.
• If there’s still no action, contact your local authority’s environmental health department. Councils can formally inspect properties and require landlords to make the repairs if legal standards are not met.
• As a last resort, you can apply to the tribunal.

Forms and How to Use Them

• RHW6 - Contacting Renting Homes Wales
  Use this form to request written statements or ask for guidance on your occupation contract. This is not a complaint form, but can clarify your rights or obligations. Request a written statement from Renting Homes Wales.
• Application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales (no set form number):
  If repairs are not completed, you may apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. The Tribunal handles disputes such as failure to repair. Complete the relevant application form for "Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH)" cases, found under the 'Applications' section on the Tribunal's website. An example use: if your landlord refuses to repair serious damp or heating faults, you can apply here for an order to force repairs.

Always read the instructions and guidance on the official sites before submitting forms.

Your Rights During Disrepair

It’s important not to withhold rent; doing so could put you at risk of eviction. However, you always have the right to live in a safe, healthy home. If repairs are urgent and your landlord won’t act, local councils can intervene.

Taking Your Complaint Further

If repairs are still not addressed, you may:

• Contact your local authority under their enforcement powers.
• Apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales, which can legally require your landlord to complete repairs or halt unsafe practices (official tribunal site).

This step is often the final escalation when other efforts have failed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do if my landlord ignores repair requests?
   If reminders and written requests don’t work, contact your local council’s environmental health team. They can formally inspect and order your landlord to act.
2. Can I stop paying rent if there are repairs needed?
   No, you should continue paying rent. Withholding rent may allow your landlord to begin eviction proceedings. Use formal complaint routes instead.
3. How quickly must my landlord fix urgent problems?
   Urgent repairs (like loss of heating or water) should be addressed as soon as possible. There’s no set time in law, but landlords are expected to act promptly in emergencies.
4. Who enforces housing standards in Wales?
   Your local authority environmental health department enforces housing fitness laws. The Residential Property Tribunal Wales handles disputes over failures to repair.
5. Which law protects tenants from disrepair?
   Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 sets the legal duties for Welsh landlords and provides the basis for tenant protection regarding disrepair.

Key Takeaways for Welsh Renters

• Your landlord must keep your home safe and in good repair under Welsh law.
• Report issues in writing, keep records, and escalate to your council or tribunal if nothing is done.
• Don’t stop paying rent, but do use official forms and routes for complaints and enforcement.

Staying informed, organised, and assertive can help you resolve disrepair issues faster and protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Housing Advice – official information on tenant rights and landlord regulations
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – apply if your landlord refuses vital repairs
• Find Your Local Council – contact environmental health for property standards concerns
• Shelter Cymru Repairs & Disrepair Advice – practical steps and free advice for tenants

---

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales
3. Request a written statement from Renting Homes Wales
4. Housing Fitness Guidance (Welsh Government)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation