Tenants' Rights in Building Safety and Cladding in Wales

Many renters in Wales worry about building safety and cladding after high-profile incidents. As a tenant you have rights to safe accommodation, to ask for information about cladding and remediation plans, and to expect timely repairs and clear communication from your landlord or managing agent. This guide explains practical steps you can take, the official forms you may need, and how to raise concerns with your landlord, local authority, or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). It uses simple language to help you understand deadlines, evidence to collect, and where to find official guidance in Wales so you can protect your home and your rights.

Understanding your rights in Wales

If you live in a multi-storey or higher-risk building, landlords and owners have duties under the Building Safety Act and associated guidance to provide residents with safety information and keep building risks under control. You can request details of inspection reports, remediation timetables and who is responsible for works and costs; ask in writing and keep a dated copy of the request.^[1] Where a building presents immediate danger, the local authority and fire and rescue service have powers to act.

What to ask your landlord and what to record

• Ask for the building safety information pack and a clear remediation timetable from the building owner.
• Request copies of inspection reports, photos, test results and any communications about cladding or fire safety.
• Ask for dates for planned works, start and expected completion dates, and interim safety measures.
• Keep records of any charges or service charge demands and ask whether remediation costs will be passed to leaseholders or tenants.
• Contact your local authority housing or building control team if you believe there is an immediate safety risk.

Official forms and how to use them

Some official forms and pages you may use include application forms for the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and guidance under the Building Safety Act. Use the tribunal application forms when you need a formal determination about repairs, service charges or unreasonable charges related to safety works. The Government provides a collection of First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) forms for residential property cases; follow the guidance on the forms page to check which application fits your situation and how to file it.^[2]

• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) application forms — use these when asking the tribunal to decide disputes about repairs, service charges or enforcement; for example, a tenant can apply if a landlord refuses to arrange urgent remedial works and will not agree a timetable. See the official forms collection for the correct application and filing instructions.^[2]
• Building Safety Act guidance for residents — while there is not always a single named "request" form, the Building Safety Act requires information and engagement; use the official guidance to prepare a written request and know what to ask for, for example inspection reports and safety case summaries.^[1]

How the tribunal and local authorities can help

The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can make legal decisions on matters like service charges, repairs and other residential property disputes. Local authorities can use enforcement powers where a building is unsafe under housing and building safety legislation. Before you apply to a tribunal, try to resolve the issue with your landlord in writing and keep clear evidence of requests and responses.

FAQ

Can my landlord force me to pay for cladding remediation?

Usually remediation of unsafe cladding is the owner or freeholder's responsibility; tenants should check lease terms and challenge any attempt to pass on unexpected costs, and may apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a decision if necessary.^[2]

What should I do if I receive a notice about safety works or temporary measures?

Keep the notice, note the deadlines, ask your landlord for the full safety information and a written timetable, and seek advice before agreeing to any charge. If the notice suggests an immediate risk, contact the local authority right away.

How long will cladding remediation take?

Timescales vary by building complexity. Ask for a written timetable and regular updates; use official Building Safety Act guidance to understand what information you should receive about timing and safety measures.^[1]

How-To

1. Check your tenancy agreement and any building notices to understand responsibilities and record clauses about repairs and service charges.
2. Write to your landlord or managing agent asking for the building safety information and remediation timetable; keep a dated copy of the request and any reply.
3. Gather evidence: take clear photos, save emails and text messages, and keep receipts for any safety-related expenses.
4. Report any immediate danger to your local authority or fire and rescue service and ask for confirmation they have received your report.
5. If the landlord does not act, consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) using the official application forms for a formal decision.

Key Takeaways

• You have a right to clear building safety information and to expect timely action in Wales.
• Keep written requests, photos and receipts — good evidence helps any complaint or tribunal case.
• Use local authority enforcement for immediate risks and the First-tier Tribunal for unresolved disputes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Welsh Government — Building safety and cladding information
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — GOV.UK
• GOV.UK — Building Safety Act 2022 guidance

1. [1] GOV.UK — Building Safety Act 2022 guidance
2. [2] GOV.UK — First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) forms
3. [3] legislation.gov.uk — Housing Act 1988
4. [4] legislation.gov.uk — Rent Act 1977