Essential Landlord Repair Obligations for Renters in Wales

If you're renting in Wales, understanding your landlord’s repair obligations can help you live safely and resolve problems quickly. Welsh law sets out clear standards for rented homes and gives renters strong rights—helping you enjoy a safe, comfortable living environment. This guide walks you through what landlords in Wales must repair, what steps to take if repairs are delayed, and how the law protects you.

Landlord Repair Duties Under Welsh Law

In Wales, your landlord has a legal responsibility to keep your home in good condition throughout your rental agreement. These duties cover safety, structure, sanitation, and essential facilities. The main tenancy law in Wales is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which applies to new and existing contracts after 1 December 2022.^[1]

What Landlords Must Repair

• Structure and exterior: This includes the roof, walls, windows, external doors, and gutters.
• Installations for utilities: Landlords must keep in working order heating, water, gas, electricity, and sanitation (e.g. sinks, baths, toilets).
• Heating and hot water: They must fix any broken boilers or heating systems.
• Fire safety: Fit and maintain smoke alarms and, if required, carbon monoxide detectors.
• Common parts: For flats or shared houses, landlords must maintain communal areas, halls, and stairways.

These rights cannot be signed away. Even if your contract says otherwise, your landlord remains responsible for these repairs.

What Landlords Don’t Have to Repair

• Minor cosmetic issues: Such as scuffed paint or general wear and tear.
• Damage caused by tenants or their visitors: You may need to fix or pay for these remedies.

How to Report Repairs and Get Issues Fixed

Reporting repairs quickly—and in writing—can help you resolve problems faster and protect your rights.

• Step 1: Tell your landlord about the issue as soon as possible. Email or text is best so you have a record.
• Step 2: Include details of the problem, when you noticed it, and any photos or evidence if possible.
• Step 3: Give your landlord a reasonable time to respond—usually within 14 days for non-urgent repairs or sooner for urgent problems.

What If Repairs Aren't Done?

If your landlord does not act, you can escalate the problem:

• Contact your local council’s environmental health department.
• Apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for certain issues (e.g., safety standards or disputes over repair responsibilities).

Required Forms: Making a Complaint or Taking Action

There are no special forms required to report repairs to your landlord. However, if you contact your council, you may be asked to complete a council-specific ‘Housing Repair Complaint’ form. If the issue is severe or unresolved, you may apply to the tribunal:

• Application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales: Use the relevant application form (e.g., for landlord repair responsibilities or Housing Health and Safety Rating System issues).
• How it's used: For example, if your landlord refuses to address damp and the council confirms a hazard, you can submit the form to ask the tribunal to order repairs.

Always read the guidance notes with the form, and keep copies for your own records.

What to Expect During Repairs

Landlords must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your home for repairs, unless it's an emergency (e.g. gas leak, major water leak). Repairs should be done at reasonable times to minimize disruption.

If you refuse access for essential repairs, you could reduce your legal protection if problems escalate.

The Healthy Homes Standard

All landlords in Wales must ensure their rented properties meet the ‘Fitness for Human Habitation’ standard set out in the Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022.^[3]

• No serious hazards (such as damp, mould, or dangerous electrics)
• Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as required
• Safe, secure doors and windows

If your home doesn’t meet these standards, you have the right to seek enforcement.

FAQ

1. What should I do if my landlord ignores my repair request?
   Keep a record of all communication, then contact your local council’s environmental health team for assistance. If hazards remain, you may also apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
2. Can my landlord charge me for repairs?
   Landlords cannot charge you for repairs that are their legal responsibility, unless you caused the damage yourself.
3. Is my landlord responsible for repairing appliances?
   Your landlord is responsible for repairs to appliances supplied with the property, like built-in ovens or washing machines, but not your own items.
4. Am I entitled to compensation if repairs are delayed?
   You may be able to claim compensation if poor conditions caused you loss or distress. Keep evidence and seek advice before claiming.
5. Which tribunal deals with repair disputes in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales handles repair, safety, and housing standard disputes. Visit their official website to learn more.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Welsh Renters

• Landlords in Wales must keep the structure, services, and key safety features of your home in good repair.
• If repairs are ignored, you have clear action steps and legal protections under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
• Contact your council or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if you need further help or enforcement.

Knowing your rights means you can confidently request repairs and expect a safe, secure home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government – Housing information
• Shelter Cymru – Free advice and support for renters
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Repair and standards disputes
• Government ‘Repairs in privately rented homes’ guide
• Find your local council for environmental health contacts

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Landlord safety responsibilities
3. Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022

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