Living in Wales as a tenant means you have the right to a safe home and clear information about risks. This guide explains landlord safety duties under Welsh law in plain language, covering repairs, gas and electrical checks, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and how to use official forms. You will learn practical steps to ask for repairs, keep certificates and photos as evidence, and raise a formal complaint or tribunal case if needed. It is written for private renters and people in social housing so you can act confidently and understand what to expect from your landlord and from the authorities.
What landlord safety duties mean in Wales
Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act tenants are protected by a set of duties that require landlords to keep a home safe and habitable for occupation.[1] These duties cover obvious hazards and basic systems so that the property does not put health or safety at risk.
Key safety duties landlords must follow
- Ensure the property is safe and free from hazards that could harm occupants, including major structural or damp problems.
- Keep installations and appliances in repair so heating, plumbing and sanitation work correctly.
- Provide and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors where required.
- Keep and provide official safety certificates and test records to tenants on request.
- Carry out repairs within a reasonable time after being notified by the tenant.
Examples of official checks and records landlords commonly must arrange include a gas safety record (often called a CP12) and an electrical safety report (EICR). Tenants should ask for copies and keep them with photos and communication records.
Official forms and certificates tenants should know
Below are the main safety documents tenants frequently rely on, with when they are used and a practical tenant example.
- Gas Safety Record (CP12) — When: annual gas appliance and flue check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. How used: ask the landlord for the current CP12; example: if you smell gas, call the engineer and ask to see the latest CP12 and date of the check. GOV.UK guidance on gas safety[2]
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — When: issued after a qualified electrician inspects fixed wiring. How used: request a copy if you suspect faulty electrics; example: if sockets spark, ask the landlord for the EICR date and arrange an urgent repair.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Records — When: when alarms are fitted or checked. How used: ask for proof of installation or testing dates; example: if an alarm does not work, notify the landlord in writing and keep a copy.
Where a landlord does not provide necessary checks or refuses repairs that affect safety, tenants can escalate the matter to the appropriate authority or tribunal. Keep all messages, dated photos and any missed appointment notes as evidence.
How to report a safety problem and get it fixed
- Document the issue: take dated photos, record dates and write a short description of the hazard.
- Tell your landlord in writing: include the problem, the risk, a reasonable timescale for repair and ask for safety certificates if relevant.
- If no response, report to the local authority’s housing team or the regulator (for licensed landlords) and ask for an inspection.
- If the landlord still does not act, consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or seeking an order through the appropriate tribunal service to force remedial work or compensation. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)[3]
What tenants can expect from enforcement
Local authorities can inspect and serve remedial notices for serious risks, and tribunals can order repairs or compensation. Timescales depend on severity: immediate risk hazards are treated much faster than routine repairs.
FAQ
- What checks must my landlord carry out?
- Your landlord must keep the property free from hazards, arrange required gas and electrical safety checks, and provide smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where needed.
- What if my landlord will not fix a dangerous fault?
- Document the problem, notify the landlord in writing, report to the local authority if necessary, and consider applying to the tribunal if the issue is not resolved.
- How long will a tribunal case take?
- Timescales vary; straightforward cases can be quicker while contested hearings take longer. Keep records and follow guidance from the tribunal service.
How-To
- Collect evidence: photos, messages, dates and certificate copies.
- Send a clear written repair request to the landlord and keep a copy.
- Report to the local authority or licensed-landlord regulator if there is no response.
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if enforcement or compensation is needed.
Key Takeaways
- Always keep copies of safety certificates and dated evidence of hazards.
- Report repairs in writing and give your landlord a reasonable chance to act.
- Use the tribunal or local authority if serious risks are not fixed.
