What counts as landlord neglect in Wales?

Any situation where your landlord fails to carry out necessary repairs, maintain safety standards, or provide basic amenities as required by law is considered neglect.

Do I need a lawyer to sue my landlord?

No, but you may wish to seek free advice before starting legal action. You can represent yourself using official forms and government help, or contact advice services like Shelter Cymru for guidance.

What if my landlord is not registered with Rent Smart Wales?

You can report unregistered landlords on the Rent Smart Wales 'Report it' page. Landlords must be registered and licensed to legally let property in Wales.

Can the council make my landlord do repairs?

Yes. Council environmental health officers can inspect rented homes and serve improvement notices, or carry out repairs themselves and bill the landlord if necessary.

Is there a time limit for bringing a claim?

Yes, usually six years for most contract or property-related claims, though urgent hazards should be reported immediately to your council or the police if there's imminent danger.

Suing Your Landlord for Neglect in Wales: Your Rights Explained

Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Wales published: June 29, 2025

If you're renting a home in Wales and your landlord is neglecting essential repairs or failing to meet their legal duties, you may be wondering about your options for holding them accountable. Welsh law sets clear expectations for landlords regarding property maintenance and tenant safety. This guide explains what counts as neglect, the legal process for taking action against your landlord, and the official resources, forms, and protections available to you as a tenant in Wales today.

Understanding Landlord Neglect in Wales

Landlord neglect means your landlord does not meet their legal obligations for maintaining your home or keeping you safe. Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords must ensure your property is safe, in good repair, and fit for humans to live in.^[1]

Common Types of Landlord Neglect

Refusing or delaying urgent repairs (such as heating, plumbing, or leaks)
Failing to maintain electrical or gas safety
Allowing serious damp or mould to develop
Ignoring health and safety hazards (e.g. broken windows, faulty locks)
Not providing essential amenities like water or electricity

If you experience any of the above, your landlord may be in breach of their legal duties. This does not always mean you need to go to court—but you do have legal routes to seek help.

What Are Your Options? Can You Sue?

Before taking legal action, Welsh renters are encouraged to try the following steps:

Contact your landlord in writing about the issue and give them reasonable time to respond
Keep records of all requests, messages, and photos of the problem
If repairs are not made, contact your local council’s environmental health team (find your council here)

If your landlord continues to ignore their duties, you may be able to sue your landlord for negligence or seek a formal remedy using the courts or Rent Assessment Committees. The relevant decision-making body in Wales is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.^[2]

Legal Processes and Forms

Letter Before Action – Before making a legal claim, you should send a formal written notice to your landlord (often called a "Letter Before Action") explaining the problem and what you want done. This letter is not an official government form, but it's an important legal step. Example templates are provided by Shelter Cymru on their template letters page.
Claim Form N1 – To take your landlord to court for breach of contract or for disrepair, complete Form N1 (Claim Form). This form is submitted to the county court. For example, if your landlord refuses to fix a broken boiler after multiple requests and the council cannot help, Form N1 lets you start a court claim for compensation or an order for repair.
Application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales – For some issues under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, you may ask the Tribunal to decide if your landlord has failed their obligations. See the How to Apply to the Tribunal guidance for forms and examples.

When using any form or tribunal route, always keep records, copies of your documents, and evidence (such as dates, missed responses, and photos).

Licensing, Local Authorities, and Fines

All landlords in Wales must be registered with Rent Smart Wales and be licensed to manage rental properties.^[3] Local authorities can investigate complaints and issue improvement notices or fines if a landlord is in breach of their duties.

If your landlord ignores statutory repair notices, they may face fixed penalties, criminal prosecution, or be banned from letting properties
You may report a landlord to Rent Smart Wales online if they are unregistered or refuse repairs

Most problems are best solved through communication and local council help, but persistent neglect can lead to legal or financial penalties for your landlord.

If repairs are urgent and your health or safety is at risk, contact your local council immediately. Environmental health officers can order repairs or take action if the home is unsafe.

Step-by-Step: Taking Action Against Landlord Neglect

If you're considering suing or making a formal complaint, here are the key steps:

Report repairs in writing and allow reasonable time for fixing them
Gather evidence: photos, communication logs, medical reports (if needed)
Contact your council’s private housing or environmental health team
If unresolved, consider a "Letter Before Action" followed by the official N1 Claim Form to start a court case
Alternatively, apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if your issue relates specifically to rights under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

Each process has guidelines and potential fees, but council and advice services can help you understand your best route before taking legal steps.

FAQ: Can Renters in Wales Take Legal Action for Neglect?

What counts as landlord neglect in Wales?
Any situation where your landlord fails to carry out necessary repairs, maintain safety standards, or provide basic amenities as required by law is considered neglect.
Do I need a lawyer to sue my landlord?
No, but you may wish to seek free advice before starting legal action. You can represent yourself using official forms and government help, or contact advice services like Shelter Cymru for guidance.
What if my landlord is not registered with Rent Smart Wales?
You can report unregistered landlords on the Rent Smart Wales 'Report it' page. Landlords must be registered and licensed to legally let property in Wales.
Can the council make my landlord do repairs?
Yes. Council environmental health officers can inspect rented homes and serve improvement notices, or carry out repairs themselves and bill the landlord if necessary.
Is there a time limit for bringing a claim?
Yes, usually six years for most contract or property-related claims, though urgent hazards should be reported immediately to your council or the police if there's imminent danger.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know as a Renter

Your landlord is legally required to keep your home safe and in good repair under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
Always try written communication and council help first—most cases are resolved without court.
Legal action is available through courts or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales, with clear forms and advice services to assist you at every step.

If you’re unsure, reach out for help before starting formal proceedings.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

GOV.UK: Repairs and maintenance in rented housing
Rent Smart Wales – Register complaints about landlords or check if your landlord is registered
Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Dispute resolution for certain tenancy issues
Shelter Cymru: Repairs and Bad Conditions – Free advice and template letters
Find your local council – Report urgent hazards