What types of tenancy issues can I take to the tribunal in Wales?

Common issues include rent increases, disputes about repairs, illegal eviction, deposit disputes, and whether a notice to quit is valid under Welsh law.

Do I need a solicitor to apply to the tribunal?

No, the application process is designed to be accessible for renters. However, you can seek independent legal advice or support from housing charities if needed.

How do I challenge a rent increase?

Use the RR/1 form to ask the Rent Assessment Committee to assess whether your new rent is fair. You must apply within 2 months of receiving the rent increase notice.

What happens after I submit a tribunal application?

The tribunal will send a copy to your landlord, review all information, and may invite you to a hearing or request more details before making a decision.

Can I appeal a tribunal decision?

Yes, there is an appeal process. You must act quickly and provide grounds for the appeal, such as a legal or factual error in the original decision.

What a Housing Tribunal Can Decide for Renters in Wales

Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Wales published: June 29, 2025

If you’re renting in Wales and facing issues like rent increases, deposit disputes, repairs, or eviction, you have the right to ask an independent tribunal to help resolve them. Understanding what a tribunal can decide can help you protect your rights and seek fair treatment under Welsh law.

Understanding Housing Tribunals in Wales

In Wales, disputes between renters and landlords can be referred to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales (RPTW). The RPTW is an official independent body that can make decisions on various issues affecting tenants and landlords.

Most decisions are made under the main tenancy law in Wales, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, along with older laws like the Rent Act 1977.¹²

What Issues Can a Housing Tribunal Decide?

The tribunal in Wales can make decisions on a range of disputes. It acts as a neutral panel, weighing the facts and evidence before deciding what is fair under the law.

Rent disputes – e.g., if you think a proposed rent increase for your home is too high
Eviction and possession – e.g., if your landlord is seeking to evict you and you want to challenge the process
Repairs and maintenance – e.g., if the landlord is not carrying out required repairs
Deposit disputes (for certain deposits held before recent deposit schemes)
Harassment or illegal eviction claims

The specific rules and which tribunal section hears your case depend on your type of tenancy, the issue, and current legislation. Most modern Welsh tenancies are now under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

Example Decisions a Tribunal Can Make

Decide a fair rent if you have objected to a proposed increase using the official process
Order the landlord to carry out necessary repairs
Determine if a possession (eviction) notice is valid under current Welsh law

Key Tribunal Sections Relevant to Renters

Among the different parts of the tribunal, the Rent Assessment Committee and the Residential Property Tribunal are particularly important for tenants in residential properties.

Rent Assessment Committee – decides on fair rent and rent increase objections
Residential Property Tribunal (main chamber) – hears issues about repairs, fitness for human habitation, etc.

If you’re not sure which section to use, you can contact the tribunal for advice.

How to Raise a Dispute: Official Forms and Practical Steps

To start a case, you usually need to fill out a specific form and provide details about your situation. Here are the main forms renters may need in Wales:

RR/1 Form – Application for Rent Assessment
Use this if you want the Rent Assessment Committee to review a proposed rent or rent increase. For example, if your landlord has served a rent increase notice and you believe it’s unfair or too high, you can apply using the RR/1 form (Application to the Rent Assessment Committee).

You must apply within the deadline specified in your rent increase notice—usually within 2 months of being notified.
RH/1 Form – Application regarding Fitness for Human Habitation
Use this if you believe your rental property is not safe or fit to live in. For instance, if significant repairs are outstanding and your landlord has not acted, you can apply using the RH/1 form.
General Application (GenApp) Form
For matters not covered by the above forms, such as disputes regarding deposit or other issues, use the General Application Form (GenApp).

Always read the official tribunal guidance carefully and send copies to the landlord as required. The process is designed to be accessible, and you don’t need a lawyer to apply.

If you’re unsure which form fits your issue, contact the Residential Property Tribunal Wales directly for help before submitting.

Decisions, Outcomes and Next Steps

After reviewing all evidence, the tribunal can:

Order changes to proposed rents or require the landlord to carry out repairs
Stop or delay an eviction if legal procedures haven’t been followed
Dismiss cases if the law has been correctly followed by the landlord

Tribunal decisions are legally binding. However, both renters and landlords can appeal certain decisions if they believe an error has been made.

FAQ: Renters' Common Questions about Welsh Tribunals

What types of tenancy issues can I take to the tribunal in Wales?
Common issues include rent increases, disputes about repairs, illegal eviction, deposit disputes, and whether a notice to quit is valid under Welsh law.
Do I need a solicitor to apply to the tribunal?
No, the application process is designed to be accessible for renters. However, you can seek independent legal advice or support from housing charities if needed.
How do I challenge a rent increase?
Use the RR/1 form to ask the Rent Assessment Committee to assess whether your new rent is fair. You must apply within 2 months of receiving the rent increase notice.
What happens after I submit a tribunal application?
The tribunal will send a copy to your landlord, review all information, and may invite you to a hearing or request more details before making a decision.
Can I appeal a tribunal decision?
Yes, there is an appeal process. You must act quickly and provide grounds for the appeal, such as a legal or factual error in the original decision.

Summary: Main Points to Remember

The Residential Property Tribunal Wales can resolve issues like rent increases, repairs, and evictions.
Decisions are based on Welsh law—primarily the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
Use the official forms from the RPTW website and follow deadlines carefully.

Most cases are straightforward. If you act quickly and use the correct process, the tribunal can provide an independent and fair decision.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

Residential Property Tribunal Wales official site – forms, guidance, contacts
Welsh Government Renting Advice for Tenants
Shelter Cymru advice and support
Citizens Advice Wales – housing help

¹ See Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 for main tenancy provisions in Wales.
² For some older and protected tenancies, see the Rent Act 1977.