Landlord Repair Responsibilities in Wales: Your Rights Explained

If you are renting a property in Wales, your landlord is legally required to keep your home in a safe and good state of repair. But what happens if they don’t fix things they are supposed to? This guide breaks down your rights as a renter in Wales, what duties your landlord must follow, and the steps you can take if repairs are neglected—always using up-to-date Welsh law.

What Repairs Should Your Landlord Carry Out?

In Wales, landlords have clear responsibilities for property repairs under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. This includes obligations such as:

• Keeping the structure and exterior (walls, roof, windows, doors) in good repair
• Fixing heating, water, gas, electricity, and sanitation facilities
• Maintaining safe and working appliances that are part of the property
• Ensuring the property is free from hazards under the Fitness for Human Habitation standard

These duties apply whether you rent from a private landlord, letting agent, or social housing provider.

What If My Landlord Ignores Repair Requests?

If your landlord fails to carry out repairs after you’ve notified them, you have the right to take action. Here is what you should do:

1. Notify Your Landlord in Writing

• Contact your landlord or managing agent as soon as you notice a repair issue.
• Send your request in writing (email or letter) and keep a copy.

2. Allow Time for Response

• Landlords must address repairs within a ‘reasonable time’. What’s reasonable depends on the urgency (e.g., no heat in winter is urgent).

3. Contact Your Local Council

If you receive no response or the repair isn’t fixed, your next step is to contact your local council’s environmental health team. Councils across Wales have the power to:

• Inspect the property
• Serve improvement or hazard awareness notices
• Take enforcement action forcing a landlord to fix urgent health and safety issues

You can find your local council’s housing team via the Welsh government council search tool.

4. Use the Official Council Complaint Process

When contacting the council, you may be asked to fill in an official form or online application. Some councils have an online form—check your council’s website. Example:

• Form: Housing Complaint/Disrepair Report Form (available from your council's official website)
• When to Use: If you have reported repairs to your landlord and nothing has changed.
• Example: “After three weeks of no heating and no response from my landlord, I completed Cardiff Council’s 'Report Private Housing Disrepair' form.”
• Official Source: Report disrepair to Cardiff Council

5. File a Claim with the Tribunal

If repairs are still ignored, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for certain disputes, including issues under your tenancy agreement or if your landlord has failed to comply with their legal repairing obligations.

• Form Name: Application Form for Renting Homes Disputes
• When to Use: If repairs are still not completed after council intervention, or if there is a dispute about tenancy terms or landlord responsibilities.
• Example: “When the property remained damp and cold despite various notices, I used the Renting Homes dispute application to seek a legal remedy.”
• Official Source: How to apply to the Residential Property Tribunal

Can I Withhold Rent or Arrange Repairs Myself?

Withholding rent is risky and can put you at risk of eviction. The law in Wales does not explicitly allow tenants to withhold rent for repairs. In special cases, you might be able to carry out repairs and deduct the cost, but you must carefully follow legal guidance first. Always seek advice from your local council or Shelter Cymru before taking this step.

Landlord Licensing and Penalties

In Wales, all landlords must be registered and (if managing the property) licensed with Rent Smart Wales. Failing to meet repair duties or licensing laws can result in fines and banning orders for landlords. The council or tribunal can enforce these penalties if necessary.

What to Expect from the Tribunal Process

The Residential Property Tribunal Wales is the official body for resolving rental disputes in Wales. It’s less formal than court, and can make legally binding orders requiring landlords to carry out repairs or compensate tenants.

Usually, you’ll need to show:

• Evidence of the repair problem
• Proof you informed the landlord
• Records of communication with your landlord and the council

For more details on the tribunal procedure, see the official Residential Property Tribunal guide.

FAQ: Renters' Questions about Repairs in Wales

1. Can I report my landlord for refusing to fix my boiler in Wales?
   Yes, if your landlord refuses to repair essential services like the boiler after you notify them, you can contact your local council’s environmental health team. The council can require your landlord to perform the repairs and may take enforcement action.
2. What is the Fitness for Human Habitation Standard?
   This standard means your rented home must be free from serious health and safety hazards (e.g. damp, cold, structural problems) and is required under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
3. Who do I contact first about repairs?
   Always contact your landlord or letting agent in writing. If they don’t respond or take action, contact your local council’s housing or environmental health department.
4. Can I go straight to the tribunal if my landlord doesn’t do repairs?
   You usually need to give your landlord written notice and let your council try to resolve the problem before you can take your case to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
5. Can the council fine my landlord for poor conditions?
   Yes. Councils can take enforcement action, which may include improvement notices and in some cases financial penalties or prosecution if the landlord does not comply.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Renting Homes Guidance for Tenants
• Shelter Cymru repairs and housing conditions advice
• Rent Smart Wales information for tenants
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – applications, guidance, and forms
• For local council housing enforcement: Find your local Welsh council

---

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (Welsh Law on landlord and tenant rights)
2. Rent Smart Wales (Landlord licensing scheme)
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales (Official dispute tribunal for housing in Wales)
4. Welsh Government renting and repairs guidance
5. Report property disrepair to your council (Cardiff example)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation