Is a Broken Boiler an Emergency for Renters in Wales?

Wales has clear rules about the responsibilities of landlords and tenants, especially when it comes to heating and hot water. If your boiler breaks down, it can be distressing—especially during colder months. Here’s what you need to know about emergencies, your legal rights, and how you can seek help with heating problems in your rented home.

What Counts as an Emergency Repair in Wales?

An emergency repair is an issue that poses a serious risk to health, safety, or the property itself. In Wales, a broken boiler—leaving you without heating or hot water—generally qualifies as an emergency, particularly in winter or for vulnerable occupants such as young children, elderly people, or those with health conditions.

• No heating in cold weather or no hot water at any time is usually considered urgent.
• If the breakdown causes a leak or flooding, it is definitely an emergency.

Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, your landlord must keep the boiler (and all heating/water systems) in good repair.¹

Your Landlord’s Duties

By law, landlords in Wales must ensure:

• Permanent heating and hot water are kept in good working order
• Any urgent repairs (like a broken boiler) are completed within a reasonable timeframe

If you report a broken boiler, your landlord must arrange repairs as soon as possible, often within 24 hours for emergencies.²

Reporting a Broken Boiler: The Process

Letting your landlord know right away, in writing, helps keep a clear record and can speed up the repair process.

• Email, text, phone, or use your landlord’s official reporting system—request written confirmation
• Describe the fault and explain if there is no heating or hot water
• Ask when an engineer will attend and keep note of all correspondence

What If The Landlord Doesn’t Act?

If your landlord ignores your repair request or takes too long, you have several options:

• Contact your local council: Environmental Health can inspect and order urgent repairs for hazards to health.
• Formal complaint: Most councils have an online form or complaint process. Provide evidence of your request and any impact on health.
• Apply to the Residential Property Tribunal (Wales): You can apply if repairs are not being dealt with. See Residential Property Tribunal Wales for process and forms.³

Relevant Forms for Renters in Wales

• Application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Rent Repayment Order Form:
  • When used: If serious disrepair like a broken boiler results in the landlord not meeting their legal obligations
  • Example: You have been left without heating for weeks after reporting the problem, and the landlord has not arranged repairs after local council involvement
  • Rent Repayment Order Application Form
• Local Council Complaint Form (varies by area):
  • When used: To alert Environmental Health about health and safety hazards such as no heating/hot water
  • Example: You fill out the complaint form on your council's website with details and supporting evidence
  • To find your local council and access the complaints form, use the GOV.UK local council finder

How Long Should a Boiler Repair Take?

For emergencies such as a total loss of heating or hot water, repairs should begin within 24 hours of reporting the problem. For vulnerable tenants or extreme weather, landlords are encouraged to act even sooner.⁴

• If parts need ordering, landlords should provide updates and temporary measures if possible (like electric heaters)
• If it's not fixed within a reasonable timeframe, escalation options are available

Quick action helps minimise risks to your comfort and health.

What Is the Relevant Legislation?

In Wales, all tenant repair rights—including heating and hot water—are set out in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. This law replaced the Housing Act 1985/1988 and is specific to the nation of Wales.¹

FAQ: Broken Boiler Emergencies in Welsh Rented Homes

1. Does my landlord have to fix my boiler if it breaks in winter? Yes, landlords are responsible for repairs to boilers and heating systems, especially during winter months.
2. How soon must a landlord fix a broken boiler in Wales? Emergency repairs, such as loss of heat or hot water, should be actioned within 24 hours of notice.
3. What if my landlord won’t repair the heating? You can contact your local council's Environmental Health team or apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if repairs remain outstanding.
4. Can I withhold rent if my boiler is broken? No, withholding rent can put you at risk of eviction. Instead, follow the complaint process and keep records.
5. Who enforces housing standards in Wales? The local council (Environmental Health) and the Residential Property Tribunal Wales are responsible for enforcement.

Conclusion: What Every Renter in Wales Should Remember

• Your landlord must repair broken boilers and ensure heat and hot water in your rented home
• If not acted upon quickly, escalate to the council or Tribunal with evidence
• Always keep detailed written records of all requests and communications

Understanding your rights and taking timely action helps make sure urgent heating repairs are dealt with fairly and quickly.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• GOV.UK: Private renting and repairs
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – for making repair-related applications
• Shelter Cymru: Repairs and bad conditions
• Find your local council for housing complaints

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: official Welsh rental law governing landlord repair responsibilities
2. GOV.UK repairs: private renting: government guidance for tenants on repairs
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales: dispute resolution
4. Shelter Cymru: Repair timelines and support

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