How to Report Illegal Landlord Behaviour in Wales

If you're renting in Wales and facing illegal behaviour from your landlord, knowing your rights and proper steps to take can protect your home and wellbeing. Landlords must act within the law—if they don't, official processes are in place to support and protect renters.

Understanding Illegal Landlord Behaviour in Wales

Illegal landlord behaviour can put renters under unnecessary stress. It's important to recognise unlawful actions and know your options under Welsh law.

What Counts as Illegal Landlord Behaviour?

• Harassment: Threatening, persistent phone calls, entering your home without permission, or interfering with your utilities.
• Unlawful Eviction: Being forced out without proper notice or a court order.
• Failure to Maintain: Not carrying out legally required repairs or gas safety checks.

Renters in Wales are protected under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016^[1] and related regulations.

Steps You Can Take If Your Landlord Acts Illegally

Follow these practical steps if you suspect your landlord is breaking the law:

• Document everything: Keep records of communication, incidents, and any evidence (photos, emails, dates).
• Raise the issue directly: Write to your landlord, outlining your concerns and seeking a resolution.
• Contact your local council: They can investigate harassment, unlawful eviction, and housing standards.
• Seek advice or escalate the matter: If the issue continues, you may need to make a formal complaint or start a case with the appropriate tribunal.

Important Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice Occupiers — RHW24 (Possession Notice)
  
  • When to use: If your landlord gives you a possession notice that you believe is incorrect or served unlawfully.
  • Example: If you're given less notice than legally required under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, you can respond to or challenge the notice.
  • See RHW24 form and guidance
• Complaint to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales
  
  • When to use: If your landlord attempts an unlawful eviction or harasses you and the council cannot resolve the situation or you wish to seek a legal remedy.
  • Example: You may apply to the tribunal if your landlord locks you out or removes your belongings without a court order.
  • Access the Residential Property Tribunal Wales
• Complaints to Local Authority (Council)
  
  • When to use: For failures regarding repairs, housing standards or harassment.
  • Example: Contact your local council’s environmental health team if your landlord refuses needed repairs affecting your health or safety.
  • Find your local council

Using the right form and contacting the correct body ensures your issue is properly considered and documented.

How to Report Illegal Landlord Behaviour

Here's how you can escalate your concern:

1. Gather Evidence: Collate written, photographic, or audio evidence relating to incidents.
2. Contact Local Council: Use your council’s website or phone service to report the landlord. Ask to speak to Environmental Health or Tenancy Relations.
3. Apply to the Tribunal: If local action fails, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales^[2] using the relevant application form. They handle disputes about illegal eviction and harassment in Wales.
4. Seek Tenant Support: Contact advice services for guidance or possible representation.

The main legislation covering tenant rights in Wales is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and related regulations. This law details how landlords must act and sets out your rights if they do not.

What to Expect from the Residential Property Tribunal Wales

The Residential Property Tribunal Wales is the official body dealing with residential tenancy and housing disputes.
You can apply if you face unlawful eviction or ongoing harassment and can't resolve the matter through your local council.

• Visit Residential Property Tribunal Wales for guidance, forms, and case tracks
• Prepare to present evidence and details about your tenancy and the problem
• A decision will be made, which may include compensation or requiring the landlord to stop their actions

Resolving disputes this way is often quicker than the courts. Seek advice early to understand your position and prepare your case.

FAQ: Handling Illegal Landlord Behaviour in Wales

1. What should I do if my landlord enters my home without permission?
   Keep a record of the incidents, write to your landlord explaining your rights, and if it continues, contact your local council. It is illegal for landlords to enter without at least 24 hours' notice, except in emergencies.
2. Can I be evicted without a court order or proper notice?
   No. Your landlord must give you proper notice as outlined in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and, if necessary, obtain a court order. Unlawful eviction is a criminal offence.
3. What if my landlord is harassing me?
   Document the behaviour, try resolving in writing, then contact your local council if it persists. You can also apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if harassment continues.
4. Who can help me resolve a dispute with my landlord?
   Local councils, Rent Smart Wales, and the Residential Property Tribunal Wales offer official support. Tenant advice services can also assist.
5. Where can I find official complaint forms?
   Official forms and contact details are online at Residential Property Tribunal Wales and your local council website.

Key Takeaways

• Illegal landlord behaviour—like harassment or unlawful eviction—is not tolerated under the law in Wales.
• Keep detailed records and follow official steps: contact your landlord, then council, and finally the tribunal if needed.
• Use the formal forms and seek help from trusted government sources and tenant advisers.

Knowing your rights and using official support channels makes resolving landlord disputes safer and more effective.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

• UK Government: Private Renting
• Welsh Government: Renting Homes Advice
• Rent Smart Wales – guidance for landlords and tenants
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – housing disputes and complaints
• Find your local council in Wales

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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