Room Locking Rights in Shared Homes (Wales)

If you rent a room in a shared house, HMO, or as a lodger in Wales, understanding your right to lock your room is important. Many renters worry about privacy, safety, or what to do if they feel their space isn’t secure. This guide explains Welsh law, what landlords must do, and how to protect your rights if you have concerns about locking your room in shared accommodation.

Your Right to Lock Your Room in Shared Housing

In Welsh shared homes, your right to lock your bedroom depends on your type of tenancy or occupation, your agreement, and current housing standards. Most renters in shared homes are either:

• Contract-holders under an occupation contract (since the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016)
• Lodgers living with a resident landlord (with different rights)

For HMOs (houses in multiple occupation), specific legal standards require bedroom doors to have locks you can use from inside and outside—unless your room opens directly onto a fire escape route.

What Is an HMO?

A property is usually an HMO if at least three individuals who are not all from one household (for example, not all siblings or a family) share some facilities, such as a bathroom or kitchen. For more on this, visit the Welsh Government’s definition of HMOs.

Landlord Duties and HMO Licensing Standards

In Wales, HMOs must be licensed by the local authority, and licensing conditions include safety and security requirements. Landlords must:

• Install locks on bedroom doors where suitable
• Provide keys for tenants to lock their own rooms
• Maintain all locks and provide support if broken

These standards are enforced under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and relevant HMO licensing rules¹.

Can a Landlord Refuse to Put Locks on My Door?

In an HMO, refusing to provide a secure lock is typically a breach of licensing conditions (unless your room directly opens on a fire escape). In non-HMO shared homes, what your agreement says is important. Check your occupation contract or written terms:

• If it says you can have a lock (or specifically prevents it), follow that agreement.
• If the contract is silent, you can request a lock as a reasonable improvement for privacy or safety.

Practical Steps If You Need a Lock or Better Security

• First, ask your landlord or letting agent in writing for a lock (especially in HMOs).
• If you live in a licensed HMO and your landlord refuses, contact your local council’s environmental health department.
• Worried about fire safety? The landlord may not allow certain locks for safety reasons. Ask for a lock model that meets fire safety rules.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Renting Homes – Fitness for Human Habitation Complaint (Wales)
  If your room can't be locked and you feel unprotected, you may consider a complaint under "fitness for human habitation" standards. While there is no official form for this in Wales, your written complaint should be addressed to the landlord and then, if unresolved, to your council. Learn more at Repairs and maintenance: local authority help.
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales Application Form
  For certain disputes, such as HMO license breaches, contact the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for forms and application guidance.

Summary: Most renters in shared homes or HMOs in Wales have the right to lock their rooms—the law is strongest for HMOs, but you can always ask (in writing) even if it's not an HMO. Your landlord cannot usually prevent you from having reasonable security, except for safety reasons.

FAQ: Locking Rooms in Shared Homes (Wales)

1. Can my landlord enter my locked bedroom without permission?
   No, your landlord must provide 24 hours’ written notice before entering for repairs, except in emergencies. This right is covered under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
   
2. What should I do if someone else in the home keeps entering my room?
   Ask for a lock, and inform your landlord in writing. In an HMO, lack of security could breach licensing standards. If the problem is unresolved, contact your local council.
   
3. Can I fit a lock myself if my landlord says no?
   It’s best to get written permission first. Fitting your own lock without consent could breach your contract or licensing conditions.
   
4. How do I make a complaint about security in my HMO?
   First, write to your landlord. If that fails, report it to your local council. If unresolved, seek advice from Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
   
5. Are there exceptions to the right to a lock in shared housing?
   Yes. If the room opens directly onto a fire escape route, locks may not be allowed for safety. Ask your landlord for alternative security or advice.

Conclusion: What to Remember

• Most renters in HMOs have a strong right to locks on their doors for privacy and safety.
• Always address security and privacy concerns in writing to your landlord.
• Your local council and the Residential Property Tribunal Wales can help if your landlord does not take action.

Knowing your rights and steps to take can help you feel secure in your shared home, whatever your renting situation in Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Housing and Local Services — Official guidance on renting and housing rights in Wales.
• Shelter Cymru — Free advice and support for renters across Wales.
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales — Handles disputes on HMO licensing and landlord breaches.
• Local Council Finder — Report serious problems with HMOs or unresolved safety issues.

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — see fitness for human habitation and occupation contract sections
2. Welsh Government guidance on standards in HMOs (including locks and licensing)

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