Renting During Building Works: Safety Rights in Wales

Living in a property undergoing building works can be stressful for tenants and renters in Wales. You still have rights to safe, habitable accommodation, clear information about planned works, and protection from unreasonable disruption or health risks. This guide explains what common safety standards landlords must meet, how to report hazards, which official forms and notices you may encounter, and practical steps to protect your health and tenancy. It uses plain language aimed at tenants facing scaffolding, noisy works, or temporary loss of services, and points you to the right public bodies and tribunal for disputes in Wales. Keep clear records and act promptly if safety or access rules are being ignored.

Your safety rights during building works

Tenants in Wales have the right to reasonable protection from risks caused by building works. That includes basic habitability (heat, water, sanitation), reasonable control of dust and noise, safe access and egress, and clear advance information about the timing and scope of works. These protections sit alongside primary tenancy law such as the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977 ^[1][2] and public-safety rules enforced by local authorities.

Landlord duties and common standards

Landlords must plan works to minimise harm, give reasonable notice of entry, and maintain safe services (gas, electricity, water). If a landlord asks for temporary access or needs to arrange contractors, they must follow privacy and entry rules and keep you informed. For tenant notices about possession the prescribed Section 21 form (Form 6A) is the official template and explains notice requirements ^[3]. For safety of gas appliances and records see the official guidance on landlord gas safety checks ^[6].

Examples of hazards to watch for

• Immediate safety risks such as exposed wiring, unstable scaffolding, or structural cracking.
• Loss of essential services: persistent loss of hot water or heating during cold weather.
• Dust or contamination that affects breathing or creates a health risk.

What to do if you face unsafe works

If you notice a hazard, act promptly: document the problem, tell the landlord in writing, and request a clear timetable for repair or mitigation. If the landlord does not respond or the risk is serious, contact your local council's environmental health team to request an inspection and enforcement action (find your local council) ^[4].

• Take dated photos and short videos showing the hazard and any damage.
• Write to your landlord (email or letter) describing the issue and keep a copy.
• If there is an immediate safety danger, move to a safe area and call emergency services.
• Contact your local council environmental health department to request an inspection.
• Continue paying rent unless a legal adviser or tribunal tells you otherwise.

When to escalate: tribunal and formal applications

If informal steps do not resolve the issue, you can escalate. The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) deals with many residential property disputes and applications about rent and certain tenancy issues; they provide guidance on how to start a case First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) ^[5]. Possible formal routes include a council enforcement notice, a rent repayment order, or a tribunal application for disrepair. Keep in mind strict deadlines for serving notices or applying to a tribunal.

FAQ

Can my landlord carry out building works without my agreement?

Generally a landlord can carry out repairs and reasonable building works, but they must give notice for most planned entry, not make unreasonable interference with your use of the property, and must keep the property safe.

What if building works create dust or health problems?

Document the problem, tell the landlord in writing, and contact environmental health at your local council if the landlord does not act to control the hazard.

Will I lose my tenancy if I complain about unsafe works?

It is unlawful for a landlord to evict or harass a tenant in retaliation for exercising their rights; if you face eviction after a complaint, seek advice and consider tribunal or court routes.

How-To

1. Document the hazard with date-stamped photos, videos and a short written log.
2. Notify your landlord in writing, set a reasonable deadline to fix the issue, and keep the message as proof.
3. Contact your local council environmental health to request an inspection if the landlord does not act (find your local council) ^[4].
4. If necessary, prepare an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and include your documentation and correspondence Tribunal guidance ^[5].
5. Keep paying rent and seek independent legal advice before withholding rent or taking deductions.

Help and Support / Resources

• Find your local council
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
• How to give notice to leave (Form 6A)

---

1. [1] Housing Act 1988 - legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] Rent Act 1977 - legislation.gov.uk
3. [3] How to give notice to leave (Form 6A) - GOV.UK
4. [4] Find your local council - GOV.UK
5. [5] First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
6. [6] Gas safety checks and landlords - GOV.UK