Tenants and renters in Wales who face serious disrepair—such as persistent leaks, unsafe wiring, loss of heating or structural defects—have legal protections and practical steps they can take to get repairs done. This guide explains how to record problems, notify your landlord, use official forms and where to seek enforcement if repairs are not made. It uses plain language aimed at renters and covers common routes in Wales including contacting your landlord, reporting hazards to the local authority, and applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for remedies. You will find examples of when to use each option, what evidence to gather, and links to the primary legislation and tribunal guidance so you can act confidently and protect your health and rights.
When disrepair is serious
If damage creates a risk to health or safety (for example exposed wiring, major leaks, persistent mould, or no heating in winter), act promptly. Always tell your landlord in writing, keep copies of messages and photos, and set a reasonable deadline for repairs. If you are in social housing, your landlord may have different complaint routes but the same duty to maintain safe, habitable accommodation.
Your rights and remedies
Landlords have a legal duty to keep rental properties in a habitable condition; the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and other statutes reinforce these duties in England and Wales[1]. If your landlord fails to act you can ask the local authority to inspect, seek an order from the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), or pursue compensation in appropriate cases[2].
- Report the problem to your landlord in writing and ask for repairs within a clear timeframe.
- Keep dated photos, videos and a written log of damage and communications.
- Contact your local authority environmental health if the property is unsanitary or dangerous.
- Consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for repair orders or compensation if the landlord does not act[2].
Official forms and what to use them for
There is no single national "disrepair" form; options include applications to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) via the GOV.UK guidance and your local authority complaint/reporting forms (which vary by council). Below are the primary official sources and how a tenant might use them.
Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
Form name and number: Online application via GOV.UK (no universal paper form number). When to use: if the landlord refuses to carry out repairs or you seek an order or compensation. Example: you have six months of dated photos, repair requests and an environmental health report; you use the tribunal application process to ask for an order requiring repairs and a contribution for inconvenience. See the tribunal guidance for detailed steps and required evidence[2].
Local authority housing complaint/report
Form name and number: varies by council (use your council's housing or environmental health complaint form). When to use: for hazards that threaten health, such as severe damp, structural hazards or flooding. Example: after reporting to your landlord with no action, you submit your council's online complaint form and ask for an inspection; the council can serve remedial notices on the landlord.
Practical actions and timelines
Suggested tenant steps and realistic timelines: give the landlord a reasonable period (often 7–28 days depending on severity) to start repairs, but escalate sooner for immediate dangers. Keep copies of all correspondence and any professional reports or receipts for temporary fixes you arrange with landlord agreement.
FAQ
- Can I withhold rent if my home is in serious disrepair?
- Withholding rent is risky and can lead to eviction proceedings; document the disrepair, seek advice, and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or asking the council to enforce repairs instead.
- How do I apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)?
- Follow the GOV.UK guidance to make an application, include clear evidence (photos, dated messages, inspection reports) and check the tribunal's checklist before you submit.
How-To
- Document the problem with dated photos, videos and a written log of communications.
- Notify your landlord in writing, state the issue, and set a reasonable deadline for repair; keep copies.
- If the landlord does not act, report the hazard to your local authority environmental health and request an inspection.
- If enforcement or compensation is needed, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) with all evidence and any local authority reports.
Key Takeaways
- Document everything and keep dated evidence from the start.
- Always report serious hazards to your landlord in writing and keep copies.
- The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is a key route for orders and compensation if repairs are not made.
Help and Support / Resources
- Private renting in Wales - Welsh Government
- Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 - legislation.gov.uk
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
