Eviction Protections for Renters Requesting Repairs in Wales

If you rent your home in Wales and need to ask your landlord for repairs, you may worry: can requesting repairs put you at risk of eviction? Knowing your rights under Welsh housing law is vital, especially if you’re concerned that raising issues could affect your tenancy. This article explains the key rules and legal protections for renters who request repairs, including relevant forms, how to take action, and what to do if you suspect unfair treatment.

Legal Protections When Requesting Repairs in Wales

Welsh housing law specifically protects renters who report repairs or maintenance issues to their landlord. Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords are required to keep your home in a safe and reasonable condition. They must not evict you simply for requesting necessary repairs.

What is a "Retaliatory Eviction"?

A ‘retaliatory eviction’ happens when a landlord tries to evict a tenant because they’ve asked for repairs or enforcement of their housing rights. In Wales, the law restricts landlords using a ‘no fault’ notice (known as a section 173 notice) shortly after a renter makes a written complaint about disrepair.

• Landlords cannot serve a section 173 notice within six months of being served a formal improvement notice by the council.
• If you have reported repairs and the local council has issued an improvement notice, any related eviction notice may be invalid.

This means you have a level of security when you raise legitimate repair concerns.

How to Officially Request Repairs

It’s best to report all repair problems in writing to your landlord or agent. This makes a clear record if you need evidence later.

• Describe the issue, its severity, and ask for a timescale for repairs.
• Keep copies of all emails or letters sent and received.

If your landlord does not respond or make necessary repairs, you can contact your local council’s housing or environmental health department for help.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Improvement Notice (Housing Health and Safety Rating System)
  Used by the local council after they inspect your property and find hazards or disrepair under the Housing Act 2004. You cannot serve this yourself – but if you have received one, your landlord’s ability to serve a section 173 eviction notice is significantly limited.
  Read about Improvement Notices for Councils
• Section 173 Notice (Giving Notice to End an Occupation Contract in Wales)
  This is the official notice landlords use to end an occupation contract without blaming the renter (no-fault). If you've made a written repair request and the council serves an improvement notice, the landlord generally can’t use this notice within six months of the improvement notice.
  Learn more about ending contracts and section 173 notices

By using written communications and making official complaints if needed, you help protect your rights and create a paper trail for evidence.

What to Do if You Fear Retaliatory Eviction

If you believe your landlord is trying to evict you because you requested repairs, take these steps:

• Keep all records: document requests, responses, and any council involvement.
• Contact your local council’s housing or environmental health team for an inspection.
• If you receive an eviction notice, check if it is valid. If you recently requested repairs and the council issued an improvement notice, the notice may not be enforceable.
• The Residential Property Tribunal Wales can consider disputes about occupation contracts, repairs, and eviction notices.

In summary: the law is designed to stop landlords from penalising renters for exercising their rights to a safe home.

FAQ: Repairs, Eviction, and Your Rights in Wales

1. Can my landlord evict me for asking for repairs?
   No, Welsh law protects renters from retaliatory evictions when you report repairs in writing and, if needed, involve the local council.
2. What should I do if my landlord ignores my repair request?
   Contact your local council’s housing team, who may inspect your home and, if needed, serve an improvement notice on your landlord.
3. Which official body handles rental disputes in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales handles disputes over repairs, eviction notices, and tenancy terms.
4. How can I prove I requested repairs?
   Always make requests in writing (email or letter) and keep copies. Save all replies from your landlord or agent.
5. If I'm served an eviction notice after reporting repairs, what can I do?
   Seek help immediately from your local council or Shelter Cymru. If an improvement notice was issued, the eviction notice might be invalid.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Welsh law protects you from eviction if you request repairs and act via official channels.
• Always report repairs in writing and keep records of all communications.
• If you face eviction after requesting repairs, contact your local council or a renters’ support organisation for help.

Understanding your rights gives you greater security and confidence if you need to address repairs in your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Housing Help
• Shelter Cymru: Repairs & Bad Conditions Advice
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales
• Contact your local council for housing enforcement or repairs concerns

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Housing Act 2004 – Housing Health and Safety Rating System
3. Welsh Government – Ending an Occupation Contract
4. Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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