Landlord Repair and Maintenance Obligations in Wales

If you're renting a home in Wales, it's important to understand what responsibilities your landlord has when it comes to repairs and maintenance. From fixing leaks to ensuring your home meets health and safety standards, Welsh law requires landlords to keep your home safe, secure, and in good repair. This article, based on current Welsh housing law, explains your rights, what to expect from your landlord, and what to do if things go wrong.

What Are Landlords Responsible For in Wales?

Since 1 December 2022, the rules for renting in Wales are set out by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹. Under this Act, landlords must ensure your home:

• Is fit for human habitation at the start and throughout your tenancy
• Is maintained in good repair—including the structure, exterior, and key installations (like heating, gas, water, electricity and sanitation)
• Has working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors (where required), and safe electrics
• This also includes common parts in shared homes, like hallways and exterior doors

It is your landlord's legal duty to carry out repairs caused by fair wear and tear—not by tenant damage. You must report repair issues to the landlord as soon as possible.

Examples of Repairs Landlords Must Handle

• Leaking roofs, windows, or gutters
• Broken boilers, unsafe heating or hot water systems
• Electrical hazards, faulty wiring, or unsafe plug sockets
• Blocked drains, sinks, toilets, or baths (not caused by misuse)
• Infestations like rats or mice (where these result from disrepair)

For more on what "fit for human habitation" means, visit the Welsh Government's official guidance for contract-holders.

Your Responsibilities as a Renter

While landlords must keep your home in repair, tenants are expected to:

• Report problems promptly—ideally in writing
• Carry out basic upkeep, such as changing lightbulbs and keeping the property reasonably clean
• Not deliberately damage or neglect the property

If your landlord is slow to act, always keep a written record of when you reported the problem and what the issue is. This evidence can help if you need to escalate things later.

How to Request Repairs in Wales

If you spot a problem, start by:

• Reporting the issue to your landlord or letting agent in writing (email or letter best)
• Describe the repair clearly, include dates, photos, and allow reasonable time for action
• Landlords should respond promptly—emergencies (like no heating in winter, major leaks, or electrical hazards) should be dealt with urgently

If Repairs Are Not Done—Taking It Further

If the landlord does nothing:

• Send a reminder, keeping a copy
• If there's still no response, you can complain to your local council's Environmental Health department—find your local council here

The council can inspect your home, require your landlord to make urgent repairs, or take enforcement action if health or safety is at risk.

Relevant Official Forms for Renters

• RHW3: Request for Written Statement of Occupation Contract
  If your landlord refuses to clarify your contract terms or repair responsibilities, you may use the RHW3 form (Request for a Written Statement) through Rent Smart Wales. Practical use: If your landlord denies being responsible for certain repairs, an RHW3 can secure a written statement of your rights and their obligations.
• Local Council’s Housing Complaint/Disrepair Reporting Form
  Some councils have online forms for reporting private rented sector disrepair. Example: Cardiff Council’s housing disrepair report form. Use this if your landlord ignores repair requests.

You can find more forms and information at Welsh Government’s official forms page.

What if My Landlord Still Won't Act?

If your landlord still doesn't carry out essential repairs, and your health or safety is at risk, you can seek help from your local council or, in serious cases, apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for certain disputes involving housing conditions.

FAQ: Landlord Maintenance and Repairs in Wales

1. What is my landlord legally required to repair in Wales?
   Your landlord must keep the structure and exterior of your property in good repair, ensure essential services (such as heating, gas, water, and electricity) are working, and fix any issues affecting your safety or health.
2. How quickly should my landlord fix repairs?
   Emergency repairs (like major leaks or no heating in winter) should be fixed as soon as possible, often within 24-48 hours. Less urgent repairs should generally be addressed within a reasonable time, such as 14 days.
3. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t carried out?
   You should not withhold rent as this could lead to eviction. Instead, follow official complaint routes or contact your local council if repairs are ignored.
4. How do I report my landlord for failing to carry out repairs?
   Report the issue in writing to your landlord, keep evidence, and if unresolved, contact your local council’s Environmental Health team using their online reporting form.
5. Who deals with more serious tenancy disputes in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales can handle certain cases about your renting agreement or housing standards.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Renting Homes Guidance for Contract Holders
• Shelter Cymru: Repairs and Bad Conditions
• Find Your Local Council (report housing problems)
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales (disputes/appeals)

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022

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