Documenting Poor Housing Conditions as a Renter in Wales

Living in a safe and well-maintained home is a legal right for all renters in Wales. If you're dealing with poor housing conditions—such as damp, mould, structural issues, or lack of repairs—it's important to know the correct way to document these problems. Recording your concerns thoroughly is often essential when requesting repairs from your landlord, seeking help from the council, or presenting evidence to tribunals.

Why is Documenting Poor Housing Conditions Important?

Proper documentation empowers you as a renter. It creates an accurate history of issues, strengthens your position if you need to escalate a complaint, and can be vital evidence should your case go before an official tribunal or council housing enforcement team.

What Counts as Poor Housing Conditions?

Poor housing conditions cover a broad range of issues, including:

• Damp and mould growth
• Broken heating, plumbing or electrical systems
• Structural problems, like leaks or damaged roofs
• Unsafe windows, doors, or security risks
• Lack of essential amenities such as running water or working toilets
• Infestations of rodents or insects

These problems affect your health, safety, and comfort. The Welsh Government outlines landlord responsibilities for repairs and housing standards in detail.

Step-by-Step: How to Document Your Housing Problems

Carefully recording poor conditions is crucial whether you simply want your landlord to act or, if needed, involve your local council or the tribunal system. Follow these practical steps:

• Date Everything: Note when the problem started and each time it is reported or gets worse.
• Take Clear Photos/Videos: Regularly photograph or film the issue, ensuring the date is visible or can be verified. Photos before and after repairs can highlight changes (or a lack thereof).
• Keep Written Records: Save copies of all emails, letters, and texts to or from your landlord. Written communication is stronger than phone or verbal conversations.
• Keep a Log: Maintain a diary or list of problems, your communications, responses from your landlord, and any action taken.
• Gather Witness Statements: If possible, ask visitors or neighbours to confirm the conditions, either in person or in a written statement.

Staying consistent and detailed makes your case easier to prove.

The Official Process: What to Do with Your Evidence

Once you have collected evidence, follow these steps:

• Notify Your Landlord in Writing: Always let your landlord or letting agent know about the problem first, with full details and evidence.
• Allow Reasonable Time for Repairs: Depending on the issue, landlords have different timeframes to act. For more on response times, see the Welsh Government's repairs and maintenance guidance.
• Escalate if Needed: If the landlord does not fix the problem or refuses to respond, you can contact your local council’s housing department. They can inspect and, if necessary, issue enforcement notices.
• Submit a Complaint or Seek Tribunal Help: In Wales, the Residential Property Tribunal Wales can decide certain housing condition disputes.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Complaint Form (RHFHH): This form may be used if your rented property does not meet minimum standards for health and safety. You can submit this to notify your landlord or, if needed, present it to the local council.
  Example: If you have persistent damp and it’s affecting your health, fill out this form to begin the formal process. Official guidance and forms found here.
• Housing Standards Concern Form (Council Specific): Most local councils offer online or printable forms to report property condition issues.
  Example: If your landlord fails to act, submit your evidence using the appropriate council's form to trigger an inspection. Visit your council's website for this form. Find your local council here.

Bringing well-organised evidence and the right forms helps officials address your case efficiently.

Know Your Rights: Key Welsh Legislation

Your rights are set out in Welsh law, primarily in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. This legislation requires landlords to provide homes that are safe and fit for human habitation and outlines repair duties, notice processes, and your options if these standards are not met.^[1]

What Happens if You Need to Go to Tribunal?

If a dispute cannot be resolved, you may apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales (RPTW) for a legal decision. The tribunal deals with unresolved repair and housing standard disputes, especially where a landlord fails to maintain safe conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I stop paying rent if my landlord doesn’t carry out repairs?
   No. Withholding rent can put you at risk of eviction. Always record issues and seek help from your local council or advice body before considering this step.
2. What is the legal deadline for my landlord to respond to repair requests?
   The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 requires urgent repairs be addressed as soon as practicable, usually within 24 hours; less urgent issues should be resolved as quickly as possible. Check the Act’s guidance for details.
3. Will the council inspect my home based only on my evidence?
   Councils typically require proof of the issue, so your documentation will help. If the issue is serious or recurring, an inspection may be arranged after you submit a concern.
4. How do I start a case with the Residential Property Tribunal Wales?
   You’ll need to download and complete the relevant application form from the RPTW website, provide your evidence, and submit it according to their instructions. See the official tribunal page for forms and guidance.
5. What if my landlord retaliates after I complain?
   Retaliatory eviction is restricted by law in Wales. If you feel threatened or receive an eviction notice after complaining about conditions, seek advice immediately from Shelter Cymru or your council.

Key Takeaways: Protecting Yourself as a Renter

• Always document poor housing conditions with dates, photos, and written evidence.
• Contact your landlord in writing and give them time to act before escalating.
• If problems persist, contact your local council or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for help.
• Know your rights under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

Even a few simple records can make a big difference when resolving housing issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

• Welsh Government: Landlord and Repair Standards
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales (RPTW)
• Shelter Cymru: Repairs and Bad Conditions Advice
• Find Your Local Council
• Welsh Government Renters Guidance and Forms

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 - recent legislation covering housing standards and renter rights
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales official site – applications, processes, and forms
3. Welsh Government guidance on landlord responsibilities
4. Find your local council and relevant forms

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