Structural Repairs in Welsh Rentals: Who Is Responsible?

If you’re renting a home in Wales and have noticed cracks, damp, or serious building issues, you may be wondering who is responsible for structural repairs. Understanding your rights as a tenant in Wales is key for a safe and comfortable home, and knowing when your landlord must act can make all the difference.

What Counts as Structural Damage?

Structural damage covers any serious harm to the main parts of your home, including:

• Roof problems such as leaks or missing tiles
• Damaged external walls, foundations, or supporting beams
• Severe cracks or subsidence
• Issues with floors, ceilings, or stairs that affect safety or stability

These are more than just cosmetic issues—they can impact health, safety, and your ability to live comfortably.

Who Is Legally Responsible for Fixing Structural Damage?

Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords are required to keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair¹. This is a legal duty that applies to all standard occupation contracts (the most common type of tenancy in Wales).

• Landlord’s duties include repairing the roof, walls, doors, windows, drains, gutters, and structural elements.
• Tenants should report issues promptly and may be responsible for minor repairs or damage caused by neglect.

How to Report Structural Issues

Start by telling your landlord or letting agent about the problem. Make sure to:

• Describe the issue clearly (with photos if possible)
• Request a reasonable timeframe for repair
• Keep a written record of all communications

Landlords are required to fix structural issues in a reasonable time, depending on the severity and impact.

What If the Landlord Doesn’t Carry Out Repairs?

If your landlord does not remedy structural faults after you report them, you have several steps and protections:

• Follow up in writing, giving a clear deadline
• Contact your local council’s housing or environmental health team. Find your council at the UK Government's council finder.
• If urgent hazards exist, the council can inspect your home and may issue a formal notice requiring your landlord to make repairs, using enforcement powers under the Housing Act 2004².

The council may serve an ‘Improvement Notice’ to the landlord. If repairs aren’t completed, the council can arrange the work and charge the landlord.

Relevant Forms for Structural Repair Complaints

• Report to Local Council (No standard national form): Typically, you can fill out a repair complaint via your council’s website or customer portal. Example: Use the Cardiff Council: Report a Repair system for tenants in Cardiff.
• Fitness for Human Habitation Application: If unsafe conditions persist, tenants may apply to the courts. Always take advice before proceeding.

Using the Residential Property Tribunal Wales

If you and your landlord can’t agree, or if action hasn’t been taken after council involvement, you might apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales (RPT Wales). The Tribunal is an independent body that resolves disputes about housing conditions, repairs, and property standards³.

• Typical cases involve rent repayment orders, fitness for human habitation, and landlord repair disputes.

Key Legislation in Wales

• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – Part 4
• Housing Act 2004 – Housing conditions and HHSRS

These laws are designed to ensure that rented homes are safe and well maintained.

FAQ: Structural Repairs and Your Rental

1. What is my landlord required to repair?
   Landlords must look after the structure and exterior of your home, including walls, roof, doors, windows, drains, and gutters. They cannot make you responsible for these under your contract.
2. How quickly does my landlord need to fix structural damage?
   Repairs should be done in ‘reasonable time’, which depends on the urgency. Serious hazards must be dealt with swiftly to prevent risk to health or safety.
3. What if repairs are not done?
   If your landlord ignores requests, report to your local council or contact the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for further action.
4. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren't made?
   It’s not generally advised, as this could put you at risk of eviction. Use official complaints and support channels first.
5. What evidence should I collect?
   Keep a record of photos, letters, texts, and emails with your landlord about the damage and all responses.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Cymru: Repairs Advice – Free Welsh housing rights guidance
• Welsh Government: Housing Information
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Dispute resolution and official applications
• Find Your Local Council – Report urgent health and safety concerns

1. See Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – Part 4
2. See Housing Act 2004 – Part 1
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales