Landlord Harassment: Tenant Rights in Wales

If you are renting a home in Wales and experiencing unwanted attention, threats, or interference from your landlord, it's important to know your rights. Landlord harassment can be distressing and is strictly prohibited under Welsh law. This guide explains how to recognise harassment, which steps you can take, and how to get official help in Wales.

What Is Landlord Harassment?

Landlord harassment is any behaviour by your landlord (or someone acting on their behalf) intended to make your living situation uncomfortable or force you to leave your home. The law in Wales protects renters from such actions under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.¹

Common Examples of Harassment

• Entering your home without warning or permission
• Threatening eviction without following legal process
• Cutting off water, gas, or electricity
• Refusing to carry out essential repairs
• Making threats, using intimidation, or persistent unannounced visits

Even if you owe rent, your landlord must follow the lawful eviction process—harassment is never acceptable.

Your Legal Protections in Wales

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 sets out your rights and responsibilities. Landlords must give written notice before entering, respect your privacy, and use only legal means to recover possession. If you believe your landlord is harassing you, several options are available to protect yourself legally.

What to Do if You Experience Harassment

• Keep a detailed diary of incidents, including dates, times, and witness names
• Save all texts, emails, and letters
• Politely remind your landlord in writing of your rights under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

• If the behaviour continues, consider making a formal complaint to your local council’s housing enforcement team. Councils have the power to investigate harassment and take legal action.
• If you feel unsafe or threatened, contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

How to Report Landlord Harassment in Wales

You can use the following official steps and forms to seek help:

• Report to Your Local Authority: Contact your local authority's Housing Team if you suspect harassment. They can investigate and may prosecute landlords who break the law.
• Contact Rent Smart Wales: All landlords must be registered and licensed. If yours is not, or is acting unlawfully, report them to Rent Smart Wales.

Relevant Official Forms

• Notice of Complaint to Local Authority (N/A – via local council website): There is no standard Wales-wide form, but each council offers an online or printable complaints form.
  Example: If your landlord enters your home repeatedly without notice, submit a harassment complaint through your council’s housing complaint form. Find your council’s contact at Find your local authority.
• Anti-Social Behaviour Reporting (N/A – via local council/police): If threats or intimidation are involved, you can report both to the council and, if needed, to South Wales Police.

If mediation fails or the harassment continues, you may be able to take your landlord to court. Advice and representation are available—see the resources section below.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenant Disputes in Wales?

If you need to challenge your landlord formally (for example, about an unlawful eviction or harassment), the Residential Property Tribunal Wales is the official body for residential tenancy disputes.²

Relevant Welsh Legislation

• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – sets out tenants’ rights and anti-harassment laws
• Protection from Eviction Act 1977 – makes harassment and unlawful eviction a criminal offence

Knowing these laws puts you in a stronger position to stand up for your rights.

FAQ: Tenant Rights & Harassment in Wales

1. What should I do if my landlord enters without permission?
   Politely remind your landlord they must give you 24 hours’ written notice, except for emergencies. Document all incidents and contact your local council if it happens repeatedly.
2. Can my landlord evict me without a court order in Wales?
   No. Your landlord must follow the legal procedure and get a court order. Evicting you without this is illegal and considered harassment under Welsh law.
3. How do I make an official harassment complaint?
   Go to your local council’s housing page and use their complaints form to report harassment. Provide as much detail and evidence as possible.
4. Is it harassment if my landlord fails to do repairs?
   Not always. Refusing essential repairs may be harassment if intended to force you out. In all cases, report urgent repairs to your council’s environmental health team.
5. Where can I get free advice about my rights as a Welsh renter?
   Contact Shelter Cymru or Welsh Government's Renting Homes guidance for expert, confidential support.

Key Takeaways

• Landlord harassment is illegal and tenants in Wales are protected by strong laws
• Document all harassment incidents and seek advice early
• You can report unlawful behaviour to your council, Rent Smart Wales, or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Cymru – Free advice for Welsh renters: 08000 495 495
• Welsh Government Renting Homes Guide
• Rent Smart Wales – Landlord registration and complaint portal
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales
• Find Your Local Authority

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

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