Tenants in Wales have the right to live in safe homes with working gas and electrical systems. This guide explains a renter's basic protections, what routine checks landlords must arrange, how to read safety certificates, and practical steps if you discover faulty wiring, no certificate after a tenancy starts, or suspect a gas leak. It covers who carries out inspections, reasonable notice for access, and your options if a landlord does not act, including raising complaints with the local authority or applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Follow these points to keep yourself and others safe and to document problems clearly when requesting repairs or enforcement.
What landlords must do
Landlords are legally required to keep the structure and installations of a rented home safe and in repair. In practical terms for gas and electricity this normally means arranging qualified checks, keeping and supplying safety records, and fixing dangerous faults promptly. Where a property has gas appliances, landlords must arrange annual gas safety checks and provide a copy of the Gas Safety Record to new tenants and on request during the tenancy [6].
Gas safety: key duties and forms
Gas safety checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and landlords should keep a Gas Safety Record (often called a CP12) after each annual check. The GOV.UK guidance explains what must be checked and when you should receive the certificate Gas safety: Landlords[1]. Example: if you move into a flat and the landlord cannot show an up-to-date Gas Safety Record for the boiler and cooker, ask in writing for the record and allow a reasonable time for the landlord to produce it.
When to act
- Call the emergency services if you smell gas or believe there is an immediate leak.
- Ask the landlord in writing for the Gas Safety Record if none was provided at the start of your tenancy.
- Allow reasonable access for a qualified engineer to inspect and repair appliances after receiving proper notice.
Electrical safety: checks and certificates
Electrical installations should be safe and maintained. Many landlords obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to show wiring and fixed installations are safe; GOV.UK guidance on electrical safety and private rented properties explains expected checks and records Electrical safety guidance[2]. Example: if socket outlets are sparking or circuits trip repeatedly, report these defects in writing and request an EICR or an electrician inspection.
How to report problems and what you can expect
Report safety concerns to your landlord in writing, keep copies, and take dated photos. If the landlord does not respond or the repair is not completed in a reasonable time, you can report hazards to the local authority’s environmental health department or use legal routes such as applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for orders or remedies First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)[3]. The Housing Act 1988 and Rent Act 1977 are among the statutes relevant to tenancy law in England & Wales, and local enforcement can use housing safety powers under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) [4][5].
- Keep dated records of your reports, replies and any receipts for temporary fixes you pay for.
- If you feel unsafe, insist on urgent remedial work and follow up in writing.
- If informal steps fail, apply to the tribunal or ask the local authority to inspect and enforce.
Practical tenant examples
Example 1: You move in and the landlord cannot show a current Gas Safety Record. You email a formal request, keep a copy, and if the landlord still cannot provide it within a few days seek advice from Rent Smart Wales or report to the local environmental health team.
Example 2: You report repeated tripping and receive no meaningful response. You can hire a qualified electrician, keep the invoice, and ask the tribunal about recovering reasonable costs if the landlord is unresponsive.
FAQ
- Who must arrange gas safety checks?
- The landlord is responsible for arranging annual gas safety checks by a Gas Safe registered engineer and providing the Gas Safety Record to tenants.
- What is an EICR and when should I ask for one?
- An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report that records the condition of fixed electrical installations; ask for an inspection if you suspect faulty wiring or when moving into a property without recent checks.
- Can I withhold rent if my landlord ignores dangerous wiring?
- Withholding rent is risky and can lead to possession proceedings; instead, document your reports, seek local authority enforcement, and consider an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
How-To
- Call 999 immediately if you suspect a gas leak or there is an immediate danger.
- Make a written report to your landlord describing the defect and the risk, and keep a dated copy.
- Keep records: photos, messages, engineer reports and receipts for any safety work you pay for.
- If the landlord does not act, report the hazard to your local authority and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a remedy.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must arrange qualified gas and electrical checks and provide records.
- Always report problems in writing and keep dated evidence.
- Use local authority enforcement or the First-tier Tribunal if the landlord does not act.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact Rent Smart Wales
- Read Welsh Government housing guidance
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
