Temporary Accommodation Safety Standards in Wales

Living in temporary accommodation can raise specific safety concerns for tenants. This guide explains what safety standards you can expect in Wales, what landlords are legally required to provide, how to check that smoke, gas and electrical systems are safe, and what to do if standards are not met. It uses plain language so renters and tenants can understand timescales, evidence to collect and the official forms and bodies to contact. If you are in temporary or emergency housing, this article shows practical steps to report hazards, request repairs, and, if needed, refer a case to the First-tier Tribunal or your local housing authority.

What safety standards cover

In Wales the main legislation that applies is the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977.^[1][2] Landlords must keep temporary accommodation free from serious hazards and ensure basic facilities work, including heating, water and sanitation. This section summarises common landlord duties and what you should check when moved into temporary housing.

Typical landlord safety duties

• Gas safety checks and certificates (Gas Safety Record/CP12) provided on request.
• Electrical inspection records such as an EICR or portable appliance tests where required.
• Prompt repair of defects that affect habitability, for example faulty heating or plumbing.
• Secure locks and privacy measures so tenants feel safe in temporary accommodation.
• Working smoke alarms and, where required, carbon monoxide alarms supplied and tested.

If a landlord does not meet these duties you can report the issue to your local housing authority or, for some disputes, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).^[3] Keep written requests and photos — they are key evidence when asking for enforcement or compensation.

Official forms and guidance tenants should know

Below are official documents or records that commonly matter for temporary accommodation safety. Each entry explains when it is used and gives an example a tenant might use.

• Gas Safety Record (often called CP12) — when used: annual certificate landlords must arrange after gas appliance checks. Example: ask your landlord for a copy if you move in and keep it with your records. GOV.UK: Gas safety duties for landlords
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — when used: periodic full electrical checks to show wiring is safe. Example: request the EICR before reporting persistent power faults. GOV.UK: Electrical safety standards guidance^[4]
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm guidance — when used: tells landlords what alarms must be provided and tested. Example: if alarms are missing, show the guidance to your landlord and request installation. GOV.UK: Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm guidance

What to do if the accommodation is unsafe

Follow these practical steps to raise safety concerns and get repairs or enforcement.

• Write to your landlord explaining the problem and set a reasonable deadline for repair, for example within 14 days.
• Contact your local housing authority to report serious hazards if the landlord does not act.
• Consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal or seeking local dispute resolution if the issue is not resolved.

FAQ

Who enforces safety standards in temporary accommodation?

Local housing authorities enforce most safety and hazard standards; some disputes may be resolved by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

How long should a landlord take to fix urgent hazards?

Urgent hazards should be reported immediately and repaired as quickly as possible; for serious risks contact the local housing authority without delay.

Can I withhold rent if repairs are not made?

Withholding rent is risky and can lead to eviction; get advice from your local authority or a tenant advice service before taking any withholding action.

How-To

1. Document the problem clearly with photos, dates and a short written report and send it to the landlord within 7 days.
2. If the landlord does not respond, report the hazard to your local housing authority and request an inspection.
3. If the issue remains unresolved, prepare evidence and consider an application or referral to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
4. Keep all correspondence, receipts and records until the issue is closed to support any later compensation or enforcement request.

Help and Support / Resources

• Welsh Government: housing and homelessness guidance
• GOV.UK: First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
• Legislation.gov.uk: Housing Act 1988

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1. [1] Housing Act 1988 - legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] Rent Act 1977 - legislation.gov.uk
3. [3] First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
4. [4] Electrical safety standards guidance - GOV.UK