Does my landlord have to insure my belongings against fire?

No. Your landlord is only required to insure the building structure, not your personal possessions. You should consider contents insurance for your own protection.

Am I liable if a fire starts accidentally in my rented home?

If the fire was truly accidental and not due to your carelessness, you are usually not personally liable for the building’s repair—this is what the landlord’s insurance is for. However, your belongings are only covered if you have your own insurance.

What if fire damage makes my home unsafe to live in?

Your landlord must repair hazards and ensure the property meets the Fitness for Human Habitation standard. If repairs are not carried out, you can raise a complaint or take your case to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Can I claim alternative accommodation costs from my landlord after a fire?

Landlords are not legally required to cover these costs unless your contract says so. Some insurance policies may include such cover—check with your insurer.

How do I make a formal complaint about my landlord’s response to fire damage?

Use the official RHW1 form to raise a complaint with Rent Smart Wales if your landlord is not meeting legal duties after a fire.

Fire Damage Cover: What Welsh Renters Need to Know

Renters’ Insurance & Liability Wales published: June 29, 2025

If you’re renting in Wales, understanding your protection when it comes to fire damage is essential. Fire can be devastating, raising concerns not only about safety but about liability and what your insurance—or your landlord’s—actually covers. This guide demystifies fire damage coverage for tenants under Welsh law, so you know exactly where you stand.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Renter in Wales

Welsh renters are covered by unique legislation that sets out their rights and obligations. The key law is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹. This law details who is responsible for repairing and insuring different parts of the property, including in cases of fire.

Landlord’s responsibility: Must insure and maintain the building’s structure, roof, walls, and fixed installations. This includes fire damage to these areas.
Your responsibility: You are generally liable for your personal possessions and must repair damage caused by your negligence (for example, if you accidentally start a fire).
Landlords are not required to insure your belongings or cover your alternative accommodation unless specified in your agreement.

Does Your Renters’ Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

Most standard renters’ (contents) insurance policies in Wales will cover fire damage to your personal belongings—from electronics to clothes and furniture.

Building insurance: Typically held by the landlord—protects the property’s structure.
Contents insurance: You may take this out to protect your own possessions against fire and other risks.
Liability cover: Some contents insurance policies include liability insurance—for example, if you accidentally cause a fire that spreads to another flat.

It’s important to check your tenancy agreement and speak with your insurer to understand exactly what’s covered and what’s not. If you don’t have contents insurance, you could face significant losses if a fire occurs.

Who Pays After a Fire?

The landlord’s insurance covers repairs to the building but not your possessions.
Your personal insurance covers your contents (if you have it); otherwise, you must pay for replacements.
If fire damage was your fault, you could be expected to pay for repairs or costs not covered by insurance.

What To Do If Fire Damage Occurs

Quick action helps protect your interests and can prevent legal complications.

Notify your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible.
Report serious fires to the local Fire and Rescue Service.
If you have insurance, inform your provider immediately and follow their claims process.
For significant or unsafe damage, request urgent repairs in writing from your landlord under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – Fitness for Human Habitation¹ requirements.

If your landlord doesn’t carry out crucial fire-related repairs, you may be able to raise a dispute.

Forms and How to Act

In Wales, there are official forms to help you address problems if your landlord does not respond:

RHW1: Making a complaint to Rent Smart Wales — Use this form if you believe your landlord is not fulfilling legal duties after fire damage, such as carrying out repairs. Find the form and process on the official Rent Smart Wales site. Example: If your landlord refuses to repair damage to the property following a fire, submit the RHW1 form to initiate a complaint.
Fitness for human habitation standards — While not a form, there is official guidance for requesting repairs if the property is unsafe. See the Welsh Government guidance for action steps and your rights.

If you’re displaced due to fire, contact your local authority’s Housing Department as soon as possible for emergency assistance.

Who Handles Disputes and Tenancy Issues?

In Wales, the official dispute body is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. This tribunal hears cases involving landlord-tenant disagreements, including those about repairs, fitness, or liability following fire damage². If informal talks with your landlord break down, you can apply to the tribunal after following the appropriate procedure. See their forms and guidance for how to start your application.

FAQ: Fire Damage Cover for Renters in Wales

Does my landlord have to insure my belongings against fire?
No. Your landlord is only required to insure the building structure, not your personal possessions. You should consider contents insurance for your own protection.
Am I liable if a fire starts accidentally in my rented home?
If the fire was truly accidental and not due to your carelessness, you are usually not personally liable for the building’s repair—this is what the landlord’s insurance is for. However, your belongings are only covered if you have your own insurance.
What if fire damage makes my home unsafe to live in?
Your landlord must repair hazards and ensure the property meets the Fitness for Human Habitation standard. If repairs are not carried out, you can raise a complaint or take your case to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
Can I claim alternative accommodation costs from my landlord after a fire?
Landlords are not legally required to cover these costs unless your contract says so. Some insurance policies may include such cover—check with your insurer.
How do I make a formal complaint about my landlord’s response to fire damage?
Use the official RHW1 form to raise a complaint with Rent Smart Wales if your landlord is not meeting legal duties after a fire.

Conclusion: What Every Renter in Wales Should Remember

Your landlord insures the property’s structure, not your possessions.
Get contents insurance to protect your own belongings from fire.
Use official resources and forms such as RHW1 if your landlord does not make essential fire-related repairs.

In summary, knowing your rights and acting quickly after a fire will help you safeguard your home and personal property—and access further support if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

Welsh Government Housing Advice – Up-to-date renter rights and standards
Rent Smart Wales: Tenant Complaints – Official complaint forms and guidance
Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Independent dispute resolution and repair applications
Fitness for Human Habitation Guidance – What landlords must do to keep homes safe, including after a fire
Your local authority Housing Department – For emergency accommodation if your home is uninhabitable after a fire