If your rented home in Wales has unsafe or unacceptable disrepair, you can take steps to get repairs or compensation. This guide explains, in plain language, how tenants can prepare a disrepair case for court or the First-tier Tribunal, gather evidence, use official forms, meet deadlines and work with advice services. It covers when to notify your landlord, how to document problems such as damp, heating or plumbing faults, and what outcomes to expect. The aim is to help renters understand practical next steps, protect their rights, and increase the chance of a fair resolution without assuming blame. If you are unsure, contact a housing advice service early.
What is a disrepair case?
Disrepair means a problem with the property that affects habitability or safety, such as severe damp, broken heating, blocked drains, faulty electrics, or structural issues. Tenants can seek repairs, a rent reduction while the problem remains, or compensation for losses caused by the disrepair. Cases can be started in the county court or, where appropriate, before the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for residential property.[3]
Preparing your case
Good preparation makes a big difference. Focus on clear, dated evidence and following pre-action steps so a court or tribunal can see you tried to resolve the problem first.
- Serve a written notice to your landlord describing the problems and requesting repairs, and keep a copy.
- Gather evidence: take dated photos and videos, keep repair logs and records of calls or messages.
- List the specific repairs needed (for example: heating, plumbing, mould treatment) and note how they affect daily living.
- Arrange a professional inspection or report if possible (e.g., join a surveyor report or an HHSRS assessment) to support serious hazards.
- Keep receipts for any expenses you paid because of the disrepair, such as temporary heating or alternative accommodation.
Official forms you may need
Most disrepair claims start with a civil claim form for the county court. The main official forms tenants commonly use are described below; use the footnotes to access the official pages for each form.
- N1 claim form: used to start a money or damages claim in the county court (for example, claiming compensation for loss and the cost of remedial works). [1]
- N244 application notice: used to ask the court to make or change directions, or to request an interim order (for example, an urgent hearing to require a landlord to carry out essential repairs). [2]
Starting the claim and what to expect
After following pre-action steps, you can starts a claim in the county court using the N1 form or, where the issue falls within its remit, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). You should state the remedy you want (repairs, rent repayment, or compensation), attach evidence and describe the landlord's response.
At hearing you or your representative will present evidence, and the landlord will have an opportunity to respond. If successful, the court or tribunal may order repairs, award compensation or set a rent reduction. Enforcement of orders is possible if a landlord does not comply.
Relevant legislation
Key Acts that underpin disrepair law in England & Wales include the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977. Cite these when explaining statutory rights or exceptions in a claim.[4][5]
Practical examples
- If a tenant has persistent no-hot-water and the landlord fails to act after written requests, the tenant could use an N1 to claim the cost of repair and compensation for disruption. [1]
- If urgent heating repairs are needed before a hearing, the tenant could seek an interim order using an N244 to request a fast hearing. [2]
FAQ
- Can I bring a disrepair claim in Wales?
- Yes. Tenants in Wales can bring a disrepair claim in the county court or, where appropriate, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber); follow pre-action steps first and keep clear records.[3]
- What forms will I need?
- Common forms are the N1 claim form to start a county court claim and the N244 application notice for urgent or interim applications; prepare supporting evidence with each filing.[1][2]
- How long will the process take?
- Timescales vary with complexity and court availability; simple claims on the small-claims track can be faster, while larger claims or those requiring expert reports may take longer.
How-To
- Serve a clear written notice to your landlord describing the disrepair and request remedial action, keeping a dated copy.
- Gather dated photos, videos, a repairs log, any professional reports and receipts for expenses.
- Seek free advice early from a housing advice service or solicitor to check your options and any pre-action protocol requirements.
- Start a claim using the N1 form for the county court, or apply to the First-tier Tribunal where appropriate, attaching evidence and a statement of desired remedies. [1][3]
- Attend the hearing with organised evidence and witnesses where available; if successful, follow enforcement steps to ensure orders are carried out.
