Resolving Landlord Disputes in Wales: Your Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re renting a home in Wales and face an issue like a rent increase, disrepair, or a disagreement over your tenancy, knowing how to resolve disputes with your landlord is essential. Wales has its own laws and dispute procedures to protect renters. This guide outlines your main steps, who can help, official forms, and how to involve the tribunal if needed.

Understanding Your Rights as a Renter in Wales

The main law governing renter and landlord relationships in Wales is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. This sets out your rights, responsibilities, and what your landlord must do to keep your home safe and in good repair.

• Renters now have greater security from unfair eviction
• Landlords must provide a written contract setting out key terms
• There are clear rules for rent increases and property standards

If a disagreement arises, it’s important to try and resolve things early to avoid more serious problems down the line.

Steps to Resolve a Dispute with Your Landlord

Here’s what you can do if you and your landlord aren’t seeing eye-to-eye:

1. Communicate and Keep Records

• Raise your concern with your landlord or letting agent promptly, in writing if possible (email, letter, or text message)
• Clearly explain the issue, what you want done, and when you’d like a response
• Keep copies of all communications and any photos or evidence

2. Use a Formal Complaint Process

• If things aren’t resolved, check if your landlord is a member of a regulated body or scheme, such as Rent Smart Wales. They may have a complaints procedure.
• You can also contact your local council’s housing team (for example, Cardiff Council Housing) for advice or to report serious safety or repair issues.

3. Seeking Free, Independent Advice

• Speak to Shelter Cymru for expert support
• Contact Citizens Advice Wales for guidance and letter templates

4. Take Your Complaint to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales

If you cannot resolve your dispute directly, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. This independent tribunal can make decisions on rent increases, repairs, and other disputes under Welsh law.

• Tribunal address: Residential Property Tribunal Wales, 1 Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff, CF10 4UW
• The tribunal process is designed for people without legal backgrounds and is often free, depending on the issue.

Forms You Might Need

For some disputes, you may need to fill out an official form to submit your case to the tribunal. Here are key forms:

• RHW11: Application for Determination of Rent
  When to use: If your landlord has proposed a rent increase and you feel it’s unfair, use this to ask the tribunal to decide what is a fair rent.
  How to use: Complete this form within one month of receiving the rent increase notice. Attach supporting evidence such as your tenancy agreement and recent rent statements.
  Official RHW11 Application Form (Rent Increase)
• Application for Repairs and Fitness for Human Habitation
  When to use: If your landlord refuses to fix urgent repairs, you can apply for the tribunal to order repairs under the Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022.
  How to use: Gather evidence such as dated photos, written requests, and any council inspection reports. Complete the application and send it to the Tribunal.
  Official Repairs Application Form

What Happens After You Apply?

• The tribunal will write to both you and your landlord, asking for responses or more evidence
• A hearing may be held (in person, remotely, or by exchanging written evidence)
• The tribunal will make a legally binding decision

This process is designed to be neutral and fair, with clear communication throughout.

FAQ: Resolving Landlord Disputes in Wales

1. How do I challenge a rent increase in Wales?
   If you believe your landlord’s proposed rent rise is too high, fill in the RHW11 Application for Determination of Rent within one month of notification. The Residential Property Tribunal Wales will assess whether the increase is fair based on local market rates.
2. Can I get help with repairs if my landlord won’t act?
   Yes. You can apply to the tribunal using their official form if your requests for necessary repairs are ignored. The tribunal can order your landlord to make the home fit for human habitation under Welsh law.
3. Is it free to take my landlord to the tribunal?
   For most issues such as rent disputes, the application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales is free. Always check the latest RPT Wales guidance as rules may change.
4. What evidence do I need?
   Keep all communication, photos, receipts, and any other documents showing the problem and your attempts to resolve it. This will help your case if it reaches the tribunal.
5. Who can I contact for free advice?
   For support, reach out to Shelter Cymru or Citizens Advice Wales. Your local council housing team is also there to help with legal and safety issues.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Act early and communicate clearly to solve issues with your landlord
• Use official forms and guidance, and contact the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if disputes can’t be resolved informally
• Always seek help if you feel unsure—trusted organisations and local councils are on hand

Knowing your rights and using the correct dispute resolution process can make a stressful situation easier to manage, giving you extra confidence as a renter in Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Apply, find forms, and access guidance
• Shelter Cymru – Free advice for renters in Wales
• Citizens Advice Wales – Independent advice and letter templates
• Find Your Local Council in Wales – Contact your housing team
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – Full Legislation

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – official text
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales – rent and repairs guidance
3. Welsh Government Code of Practice for Landlords (Wales)
4. Welsh Government – find your local council

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