Landlord Ignoring Repairs in Wales: A Renter’s Rights Guide

If you’re renting a home in Wales and your landlord ignores requests for repairs, you’re not alone. Under Welsh law, tenants have clear rights to live in a property that is safe and well maintained. This guide explains what you can do if your landlord fails to fix problems, which official forms to use, and how to seek help from government bodies or tribunals. All advice and links here reflect the law in Wales as of 2024.

Understanding Your Rights: Repairs and Welsh Housing Law

Landlords in Wales must ensure that homes are fit for human habitation and in good repair. This duty is set out in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹ and its amendments. Common issues your landlord must handle include:

• Leaks or damp
• Broken heating or water
• Unsafe gas or electrical appliances
• Pest infestations
• General disrepair affecting your health or safety

How to Report Repairs to Your Landlord

Start by notifying your landlord in writing. Even if you have already told them verbally, a written record (email or letter) helps prove your request. Include:

• What needs repairing
• The date you first noticed the issue
• Photo evidence if possible
• How it’s affecting you or your household

What If the Landlord Does Not Respond?

If your landlord does not act within a reasonable time (usually 14 days for non-emergency repairs), it’s important to know your next steps. Severe or urgent issues, such as a broken boiler in winter or dangerous electrics, may require faster action.

Step 1: Follow Up in Writing

Send a polite written reminder, restating your repair request. Refer to your earlier message and emphasize any worsening issues.

Step 2: Contact Your Local Council’s Environmental Health Team

If ignoring your written requests, you can contact your local authority. Ask for the Environmental Health or Housing Enforcement team. The council can inspect the property and take action against your landlord if the home is unsafe under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) rules in Wales.

• Council officials may issue a hazard notice or enforcement order
• Landlords can be legally required to carry out urgent repairs

Step 3: Make a Complaint or Seek Further Help

If issues still aren’t resolved:

• Submit a formal complaint: Use your council’s complaints procedure if you believe inspection or enforcement wasn’t handled correctly.
• Consider applying to the housing tribunal: In Wales, housing matters can be resolved at the Residential Property Tribunal Wales².

Using Official Forms

• Environmental Health Repair Request: Each council will have its own form or online portal for repair issues. For example, Cardiff Council provides a report a repair online service (choose your authority if outside Cardiff).
• Residential Property Tribunal Application: Form: Application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales (no set form number; see the Tenants section of the Tribunal website). You use this form if you want to challenge your landlord’s failure to carry out repairs after involving the council, or if unsuitable living conditions persist. Include evidence of your communication, council involvement, and the ongoing problems.

What the Tribunal Can Do

The Residential Property Tribunal Wales can issue orders requiring landlords to carry out repairs. The process is designed to be renter-friendly, and guidance is available via the tribunal directly.

Keeping Records and Staying Safe

At every step, keep:

• Copies of letters and emails
• Photos or videos of disrepair
• Dates and details of council visits
• Any medical evidence if your health is affected

Staying organised increases your chances of a swift resolution and helps you explain your situation if you need outside help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I stop paying rent until my landlord fixes repairs?
   No. Withholding rent could lead to eviction for arrears, even if your landlord is failing to repair. Always follow official channels instead.
2. How quickly must my landlord carry out repairs?
   For serious hazards (like no heating in winter), repairs should be urgent—typically within 24-48 hours. For other repairs, a ‘reasonable time’ is set by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act section 92, usually no more than 14 days.
3. Who can I contact if the situation is urgent?
   If unsafe or uninhabitable (e.g., no heat in winter, major leaks), contact your local council immediately and request an urgent inspection by Environmental Health.
4. Do I need to use a solicitor to apply to the tribunal?
   No, most tenants apply themselves. The tribunal offers guidance and seeks to make the process accessible to non-lawyers.
5. Are there official forms to demand repairs?
   Start by writing directly to your landlord and then, if needed, use your council’s repair complaint form or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales application form found on their tenant portal.

Key Takeaways for Renters in Wales

• Your landlord is legally required to keep your home safe and in good repair under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
• Always notify your landlord in writing and save proof. If ignored, contact your local council’s Environmental Health team.
• You can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for help if repairs are still not done.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales (apply for repairs orders)
• List of Local Councils in Wales (find Environmental Health contacts)
• Shelter Cymru Housing Advice
• UK Government – Private Renting: Repairs and Maintenance

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

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