Renting in Wales means you have clear rights to a safe home and to see up-to-date safety certificates. This guide explains what certificates you should expect, when landlords must provide them, and what to do if safety checks, repairs or access are delayed. It covers gas safety records, electrical inspection reports, energy performance certificates and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, plus how to complain, which official forms and evidence to prepare, and where to apply for help. Written for tenants and renters, the advice uses plain language and step-by-step actions so you can protect your health, raise repairs promptly and use the First-tier Tribunal or local council if necessary.
Safety certificates every tenant should know
As a tenant in Wales you should expect to see specific safety documents. Keep copies and log dates so you can show when checks happened.
- Gas safety certificate (annual gas safety check) — landlords must arrange an annual gas safety record and give you a copy after the check[1].
- Electrical inspection report (EICR) — landlords should provide evidence of regular electrical safety inspections and any remedial work, and you can request the most recent report[2].
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — shows the property energy rating and is required for most lettings; keep it for reference when disputing heating or insulation issues.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms — properties must meet legal alarm standards and landlords must install and maintain them.
What landlords must provide and when
Landlords in Wales must meet statutory safety duties under the relevant housing legislation, including duties set out historically under the Housing Act 1988 and Rent Act 1977 where applicable, and under devolved Welsh housing rules and guidance. If a landlord serves a notice or begins a possession action you can raise standards as part of your response with evidence of missing certificates. If informal steps do not resolve the issue you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for many tenancy disputes and enforcement matters, including repairs and complianceFirst-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)[3].
Official forms and how to use them
Below are the main official documents tenants commonly rely on. Each entry explains when you would use it and gives a practical example.
- Gas safety information (guidance page rather than a numbered form) — use this GOV.UK guidance to confirm a landlord has completed the annual gas safety check; for example, ask your landlord for the current gas safety record and compare the engineers details to the guidance[1].
- Electrical safety guidance and documentation (EICR) — request the Electrical Installation Condition Report from your landlord when you notice faults; keep a dated copy and photographs of hazards to support a complaint to the local authority or tribunal[2].
How to raise a repair or non-compliance
Start by notifying your landlord in writing, keep copies, and set a reasonable deadline for the repair. If there is an immediate safety risk (gas leak, exposed wiring), contact emergency services and your gas/electrical provider, then follow up in writing.
If your landlord does not act, contact your local authority housing or environmental health department to report serious hazards, and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to seek an order for repairs or compliance. Prepare copies of all certificates, written requests, photos, and a log of access attempts.
FAQ
- Do I have the right to see a gas safety certificate?
- Yes. Landlords must provide a copy of the annual gas safety record to new tenants at the start of a tenancy and to existing tenants within 28 days of a check, or within 28 days after a new check is completed.
- What if my landlord wont provide an EICR or fix electrical faults?
- Keep written requests, take photos, contact your local authority to report hazards, and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal for an order; evidence and dated logs help your case.
- Can I withhold rent until repairs are done?
- Withholding rent is risky and generally not recommended without legal advice; instead document issues, seek help from your local authority or the tribunal, and get tailored advice before stopping payments.
How-To
- Write a dated repair request explaining the hazard and the certificate you need, and send it by email or recorded delivery to the landlord or agent.
- Keep a file of replies, certificates, photos and a log of dates you reported the problem and any missed appointments.
- If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time, contact your local authoritys environmental health to report serious hazards and request an inspection.
- If informal and council steps fail, prepare your evidence and apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a decision or enforcement order.
Key Takeaways
- Tenants in Wales are entitled to key safety certificates and functioning alarms.
- Always keep dated copies of certificates, written requests and photos as evidence.
- Use local authority reports and the First-tier Tribunal if a landlord does not comply.
