How to Check if Your Rental Property Is Safe in Wales

Every renter deserves a home that is safe, healthy, and secure. In Wales, there are specific rules landlords must follow to protect the health and safety of tenants. This guide explains how you can check if a rental property meets legal safety standards and what to do if you have concerns.

Understanding Legal Safety Standards in Wales

The law requires that all rental properties in Wales meet certain health, safety, and fire regulations. These rules are found in the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and the Housing Act 2004, particularly through the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)¹. Landlords are also responsible for following local authority guidance and fire safety regulations.

Key Safety Requirements for Rental Properties

• Smoke alarms: Landlords must fit working smoke alarms on each floor used as living accommodation.
• Carbon monoxide alarms: Any room with a solid fuel burning appliance (like a wood stove) must have a CO alarm.
• Gas safety: Annual gas safety checks by a Gas Safe registered engineer, with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate provided to you.
• Electrical safety: Landlords must ensure the property's electrical systems and appliances are safe.
• Fire safety: Escape routes must be clear; some homes (e.g., HMOs) require fire extinguishers and fire doors.
• Repairs: The landlord is responsible for most major repairs, including structure, heating, and hot water.

Regular checks are essential, as are clear records from your landlord of these safety certifications.

How to Check If a Property Is Safe to Rent in Wales

Before renting, or if you already rent, follow these steps to make sure your home is protected by the law:

1. Ask for Certificates and Proofs

• Request a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12): Your landlord must give you a copy before you move in and annually. Find out about gas safety certificates.
• Request details of electrical safety inspections and smoke/carbon monoxide alarm tests.

2. Know Your Rights: The Renting Homes (Wales) Act

As of 1 December 2022, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 sets modern standards for all properties in Wales, including a fitness for human habitation test which every home must pass before and during your tenancy.² Learn more from Renting Homes guidance for tenants (Welsh Government).

3. Inspect for Hazards and Repairs

• Look for damp, mould, leaks, broken windows, faulty heating, and any health hazards.
• Check fire escape routes and that alarms are installed and working.
• If you spot a problem, notify your landlord in writing. Always keep a copy for your records.

4. Contact Your Local Council for Help

If your landlord does not respond or refuses to make repairs, you can report them to your local council's environmental health team. They can inspect the property and force the landlord to fix serious hazards.

Official form: Many Welsh councils use an 'Online Private Sector Housing Complaint' form or similar. For example, see Cardiff Council's Report a Housing Problem for how to start the process.

5. Escalate to the Tribunal if Needed

If the problem isn't solved, you can take your case to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales, which hears disputes about housing standards and enforcement notices from local authorities.³

Key form: Use the 'Application Form for Determination' (various, depending on your complaint), available from the RPT Wales resources page. Typically, provide: your details, landlord info, a summary of your problem, and supporting evidence.

What To Do If You Suspect Unsafe Conditions

• Document the issue with photos and notes.
• Contact your landlord first in writing, keeping a copy.
• If no action, report to the environmental health team of your local council.
• Seek help from Rent Smart Wales (official website), which also registers and licenses all landlords and agents.

Every landlord and agent must be registered and licensed with Rent Smart Wales. Check a landlord's status online if you're unsure.

FAQ: Rental Property Safety in Wales

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to fix a safety issue?
   First, report the problem in writing. If your landlord doesn’t respond, contact your local council’s environmental health team. If it’s still unresolved, you can take the issue to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
2. Do landlords in Wales have to provide smoke and CO alarms?
   Yes, it's a legal requirement for landlords to provide smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances.
3. How can I check if a landlord is registered?
   You can visit the Rent Smart Wales register to confirm if your landlord and letting agent are licensed and registered.
4. Who can I turn to if my rental is unfit to live in?
   You can seek help from your local council’s housing department or make a formal complaint to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
5. Is my landlord required to give me a gas safety certificate?
   Yes, landlords must give tenants a valid Gas Safety Certificate at the start of the tenancy and every year.

Summary: Ensuring Rental Safety in Wales

• Ask for all safety certificates before or when you move in.
• Know your rights under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
• Report problems promptly to your landlord and, if necessary, to your local council or tribunal.

Staying informed and proactive helps keep your rented home safe and comfortable.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Renting Homes: Guide for Tenants
• Rent Smart Wales (Register and check landlords and agents)
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales (Tenancy disputes)
• Find your local council (for housing complaints and environmental health)

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1. See official guidance at Repairs in rented housing (Gov.uk) and Your landlord’s safety responsibilities.
2. Full legislation: Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016; England and Wales: Housing Act 2004.
3. For guidance or to submit a case: Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

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