What Renters in Wales Should Do If They Accidentally Damage Their Home

If you’re renting in Wales, accidents can happen—maybe a window gets cracked while moving furniture or a carpet is stained by a spilled drink. Knowing what to do if you damage your rented property is crucial. Understanding your rights and obligations under Welsh law helps you respond calmly and avoids unnecessary disputes or costs.

What Counts as Damage to a Rented Property?

In Welsh tenancy law, tenants are expected to take “reasonable care” of their rented homes. Damage is any harm beyond usual wear and tear caused by everyday living. Examples include:

• Breaking a window or door
• Stains, burns, or tears in carpets
• Damage to walls from nails or heavy furniture
• Kitchen or bathroom fixtures broken through misuse

Landlords cannot charge you for fair wear and tear, but you may be liable for accidental or deliberate damage.

Your Legal Responsibilities as a Renter in Wales

Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, you must:

• Take care of the property and avoid causing damage
• Report any damage to the landlord or letting agent as soon as possible
• Allow your landlord to inspect or repair damage after giving notice

If you cause damage, your landlord can request you to repair it, deduct costs from your deposit at the end of your agreement, or, in rare cases, seek compensation via the courts.

How to Act If You Damage Your Rented Property

Follow these steps to handle property damage responsibly:

• Report the damage quickly in writing (email is best) and keep a copy for your records.
• Discuss repair options with your landlord—sometimes you can arrange a professional repair yourself.
• Don’t attempt major repairs on your own unless your landlord agrees.
• Keep Receipts for any repairs you pay for, and share them with your landlord.

At the end of the tenancy, if your landlord claims money from your deposit for damage, you should get a detailed breakdown and evidence of costs. Disputes over deposits are handled by your deposit protection scheme—not privately between you and the landlord.

What About Renters’ Insurance?

While not legally required, many Welsh tenants choose renters’ or tenant liability insurance to cover accidental damage for peace of mind. This might help reimburse the landlord for repair costs up to the policy limit.

How Are Deposit Disputes Resolved?

Deposits for all Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) in Wales must be protected in an approved scheme, such as The Deposit Protection Service or mydeposits. If you disagree over damage deductions, you can raise a dispute with the relevant scheme. This is free and impartial.

Official Form: Deposit Dispute Submission

• Form Name: Online Deposit Dispute Submission
• When to Use: If your landlord proposes a deduction for damage that you don’t agree with at the end of your tenancy.
• Practical Example: The landlord withholds £200 from your deposit for a stained carpet; you believe it’s fair wear and tear. Submit evidence such as photos, check-in/check-out reports, or cleaning receipts.
• Links: DPS Online Dispute Submission | mydeposits Dispute Resolution

For decisions beyond deposit issues, you may escalate complaints to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales, which handles disputes under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

Be clear and prompt when communicating with your landlord about any accidental damage. Keep all records and correspondence until your tenancy ends.

FAQ: Damaging Your Rented Property in Wales

1. What should I do if I accidentally break something in my rented flat? Report the damage to your landlord or agent in writing as soon as possible and discuss how it should be fixed. Do not try to repair major problems yourself unless you have written permission.
2. Can my landlord keep my whole deposit for a small amount of damage? No; any deduction for damage must be reasonable and supported by evidence. If you disagree, you can challenge deductions via your deposit protection scheme.
3. Is renters’ insurance necessary in Wales? It’s not required by law, but having insurance can protect you financially if you accidentally cause damage to your landlord’s property.
4. What is considered fair wear and tear compared to damage? Fair wear and tear is the natural aging or deterioration of the property from normal use (like faded paint or minor scuffs). Damage is harm caused by carelessness or accidents, such as holes in walls or broken appliances.
5. How do I challenge an unfair deduction from my deposit? Use your scheme’s online dispute resolution process, submitting evidence (photos, check-in/check-out reports, receipts). The scheme will make an impartial decision.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Renting Homes resources
• Shelter Cymru – Free expert advice for Welsh renters
• Citizens Advice Wales: Deposit dispute guidance
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales (official disputes tribunal for residential tenancies)
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (full legislation)

---

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. The Deposit Protection Service: Dispute Submission
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales
4. Welsh Government: Renting Homes

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation