Reporting Unsafe Living Conditions: A Guide for Renters in Wales

If you’re renting a home in Wales, you deserve to live in safe, healthy conditions. Knowing when to report unsafe living conditions can help protect your wellbeing and ensure your landlord meets their legal obligations. This article explains how the rules apply in Wales, what actions you can take, and where to get help—using plain language and official government guidance.

What Counts as Unsafe Living Conditions?

Unsafe living conditions are situations that put your health or safety at risk. In Wales, your landlord is legally responsible for making sure your home is safe and free from hazards under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹.

• Damp and mould affecting your breathing or health
• Broken heating, especially in cold weather
• Faulty electrics, gas leaks, or unsafe appliances
• Pests like rats or cockroaches
• Lack of hot water or running water
• Insecure doors or windows
• Structural problems (e.g., falling ceilings, major leaks)
• Blocked fire exits or no smoke alarms

Not every minor issue is considered unsafe, but if a problem affects your health or could lead to an accident, it’s important to act quickly.

What Are Your Landlord’s Responsibilities?

Welsh law clearly states that landlords must ensure your home meets certain safety and repair standards. This includes:

• Providing a home that is fit for human habitation—safe, healthy, and secure
• Fixing problems with structure, plumbing, gas, electricity, and fire safety
• Ensuring working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Your landlord cannot ignore serious hazards. If repairs are needed, you should contact them as soon as possible, ideally in writing, and keep a record of your communication.

When Should You Report Unsafe Conditions?

If you’ve notified your landlord about a health or safety issue and they haven’t acted in a reasonable time—typically within 14 days for urgent hazards—you may need to escalate the issue. For emergencies (like gas leaks, major flooding, or electrical faults), report immediately and contact emergency services if needed.

Action Steps: How to Report

• Step 1: Notify your landlord. Always start by reporting the issue to your landlord in writing (email or letter), describing the problem and asking for a timeline for repairs. Attach photos if possible.
• Step 2: Allow reasonable time. Give your landlord the appropriate time to fix the problem (generally 14 days for urgent issues, up to 28 days for non-emergencies).
• Step 3: Contact your local council. If your landlord fails to act, contact the Environmental Health or Housing Standards Team at your local council. They can inspect your home and may issue notices to your landlord to carry out repairs.

Your council will assess the hazard using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), a government tool to identify risks in a home.

Official Forms and Processes

• Local Council Hazard Report / Complaint
  No single universal form; each Welsh council has its own process. For example, Cardiff residents can use the Cardiff Council 'Report Unfit or Unsafe Housing' form.
  Use: When your landlord has not fixed a serious hazard or ignored your request. The council will investigate and may serve enforcement notices.
  Example: If you have dangerous mould and your landlord hasn’t responded in two weeks, submit this form to Environmental Health.
• Renting Homes (Wales) Fitness for Human Habitation Complaint
  No standalone form for tenants; complaints start with local councils under HHSRS.
  Use: Request an inspection if your landlord isn’t maintaining safety or repair standards. Official info: See Welsh Government’s housing standards page here.

If Things Escalate: What Happens Next?

If the council finds serious hazards, they can issue a formal notice to your landlord to make repairs, or in severe cases, take further legal steps. If disagreements persist (for example, eviction linked to your complaint), some disputes may reach the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales. This is the official board for residential property disputes in Wales.

For more about your rights, visit the Welsh Government’s Your Rights Renting in Wales resource.

FAQ: Unsafe Living Conditions in Wales

1. What does ‘fit for human habitation’ mean in Welsh law?
   Under Welsh law, your home must be safe, free from serious health hazards, and suitable for living. Your landlord must ensure repairs and safety checks meet legal standards.
   
2. How quickly should my landlord fix hazards?
   For urgent hazards (such as gas leaks, unsafe electrics, or severe damp), your landlord should act immediately—normally within 14 days. Less severe issues may take up to 28 days.
   
3. Can I be evicted for complaining about unsafe conditions?
   It is illegal for landlords to carry out a ‘retaliatory eviction’ if you report valid safety concerns. If you think you’re at risk, seek legal advice and contact your council.
   
4. What if my council doesn’t act?
   If you believe your council hasn’t responded properly, you can use their complaints procedure and may ultimately contact the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.
   
5. Where can I find official legislation on renting in Wales?
   You can read the full Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and Housing (Wales) Act 2014 online.
   

Key Takeaways

• Always report safety hazards to your landlord first and keep a written record.
• If not resolved, contact your local council—they can inspect and require repairs.
• Your rights are protected under Welsh law, and official complaints cannot be used against you.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Your Rights Renting in Wales – Welsh Government
• Shelter Cymru: Repairs and Conditions Advice
• Residential Property Tribunal for Wales
• Contact your local council’s Environmental Health or Housing Standards Team

---

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Housing (Wales) Act 2014
3. Welsh Government: Homes Fitness Guidance
4. Residential Property Tribunal for Wales
5. Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

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