Reporting Fire Safety Violations as a Renter in Wales

If you’re renting in Wales and notice fire safety issues—such as missing smoke alarms, blocked fire exits, or unsafe wiring—it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities. Fire safety regulations aim to protect all occupants, and taking action promptly helps prevent harm. This guide explains the steps you should follow to report fire safety violations, with practical tips and links to official Welsh resources.

Your Fire Safety Rights as a Renter in Wales

Landlords in Wales are legally required to make sure your home meets fire safety standards. This includes providing proper smoke alarms, safe electrical installations, and maintaining clear access to escape routes. The main laws governing these requirements are the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.^1,2

Common Fire Safety Violations to Look Out For

• No working smoke or heat alarms on every floor
• Obstructed fire exits or escape routes
• Faulty or exposed electrical wiring
• Missing or broken fire extinguishers (for HMOs)
• Fire doors that don’t close properly

If you spot these or any other risks, take action quickly for your safety and those you live with.

Steps to Report Fire Safety Concerns

Here is a step-by-step approach to reporting fire safety violations in Wales, from contacting your landlord to escalating the issue to public authorities.

1. Notify Your Landlord in Writing

• Describe the fire safety issue clearly.
• Request repairs or improvements within a specific timeframe.
• Keep a copy of all correspondence for your records.

2. Contact Your Local Council

If your landlord doesn’t fix the problem reasonably quickly, you can contact your local council’s Environmental Health or Private Sector Housing team. Welsh councils have the power to:

• Inspect your property for hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
• Issue notices requiring your landlord to carry out work
• Enforce remedial action and penalties if needed

Official Form:

• Housing complaints online form (varies by council).
  Example: Use the Cardiff Council's housing complaint form to report unsafe conditions. You’ll need to provide your address, details of the fire safety issue, and evidence if available. Check your local council website for the specific reporting form.

Your council will usually confirm receipt of your complaint and may arrange an inspection of your home.

3. Escalate to Rent Smart Wales or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales

• If issues persist, you may contact Rent Smart Wales, especially if your landlord is not complying with licensing requirements or the law.
• For serious unresolved cases, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. This independent body can hear housing safety disputes between renters and landlords.

Relevant Form:

• RHW11: Application to the Residential Property Tribunal.
  Use this form to bring a dispute about housing health and safety (including fire safety) if your council cannot resolve it. Download it from the official Tribunal forms page.

4. Contact the Fire Safety Enforcement Team (For Immediate Danger)

If you believe your home is in immediate danger from fire risks (such as a blocked fire escape in a high-rise building or severe electrical faults), contact your local fire and rescue service directly. Find your nearest service on the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service or the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for urgent advice.

For non-urgent fire safety concerns, always try resolving issues with your landlord and council first. Escalating to authorities or tribunals should be a last resort.

What Happens After You Report?

Your council or fire safety authority will usually arrange an inspection or assessment of your property. If violations are confirmed, they may issue an Improvement Notice to your landlord, demanding work within a set period. You will be notified of any actions taken and can appeal decisions through the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

FAQ: Fire Safety Reporting in Wales

1. How quickly must my landlord respond to fire safety problems?
   Landlords should act as soon as possible, depending on the risk. Urgent fire safety problems must be addressed immediately. Councils can step in if repairs are delayed.
2. Can I be evicted for reporting fire safety problems?
   No. The law protects you from eviction simply for making complaints about safety. If you have concerns, seek advice from your local council or Shelter Cymru.
3. Which official body decides disputes over fire safety in tenancies?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales handles disputes about fire safety and other health and safety matters in rented homes.
4. Is my landlord required to provide smoke alarms in every rental?
   Yes. Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords must ensure working smoke alarms are fitted on every floor used as living accommodation.
5. What if the council or landlord fails to take action?
   You can appeal or file an application with the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if your concerns are ignored.

Key Takeaways

• Always raise fire safety concerns with your landlord first, and keep records
• Contact your local council if issues aren’t fixed promptly—use their complaints form
• The Residential Property Tribunal Wales can help resolve ongoing disputes

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• UK Government: Renting Guidance
• Shelter Cymru: Fire Safety in Rented Homes
• Rent Smart Wales: Landlord Licensing
• Contact your local council Environmental Health team

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005