If you are renting in Wales, you have the right to live in a home that meets essential health and safety standards. Before moving in, landlords in Wales must provide you with certain safety certificates. Understanding which documents you should receive can help keep you and your household safe, and ensure your landlord is following the law.
Safety Certificates and Landlord Legal Responsibilities
Welsh rental law sets clear requirements for landlords to protect renters from unsafe conditions. The main safety certificates to expect are:
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
- Mandatory for any property with gas appliances.
- Must be renewed every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Your landlord must provide a copy before you move in and within 28 days of each annual check. Gas safety requirements.
Keep copies of gas safety certificates and note renewal dates. If a certificate is missing or delayed, request it in writing and keep a record for tenancy disputes.
Electrical Safety Report (EICR)
- Legally required for all rented homes in Wales.
- An Electrical Installation Condition Report must be completed every 5 years by a qualified electrician.
- Your landlord must give you a copy before you move in, and on request during your tenancy. Welsh Government guidance on electrical safety.
Ask for a copy of the EICR in writing and store it with other tenancy documents; you can reference the 5-year cycle in discussions with your landlord.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Shows how energy-efficient the property is.
- Landlords must provide a valid EPC rated E or above to new tenants before you move in.
- You can check a property’s EPC online at the UK Government EPC Register.
An EPC rating of E or above is required for new tenancies; use the certificate to compare likely energy costs and possible upgrades with your landlord.
Fire and Smoke Alarm Requirements
- Each floor used as living space must have working smoke alarms.
- If there are solid fuel appliances (like wood burners), a carbon monoxide alarm is also required.
- Landlords must ensure these alarms are in working order at the start of your tenancy.
If alarms aren’t working on move-in day, report this in writing and request repairs during the tenancy; carbon monoxide alarms are required where solid-fuel appliances exist.
These certificates and requirements are set out in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016[1] and related regulations.
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What Happens If You Don’t Receive the Proper Certificates?
If your landlord does not provide the necessary safety certificates, you may be able to:
Document every request for certificates in writing and keep copies of all correspondence. If issues persist, contact your local council housing department promptly and consider seeking advice from the Residential Property Tribunal Wales (RHW6) if a formal dispute is needed.
- Delay moving in until you receive them
- Report the issue to your local council housing department
- Challenge unlawful eviction attempts, as landlords may not be able to issue a valid ‘no-fault’ notice without having met safety certificate requirements
Relevant Official Forms for Renters
- Property Condition Complaint Form (Local Council)
Used if your landlord refuses to address safety hazards or provide certificates. Contact your local council (for example, Cardiff Council rented housing services) and request their housing standards complaint form. - RHW6 Form - Apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales
This form is used if you wish to challenge a notice, rent increase, or take action over fitness or safety failures. The Residential Property Tribunal Wales provides guidance and forms such as the RHW6: Application to Tribunal (End Contract/Rent/Harassment). For example, if your landlord tries to evict you without providing the required safety certificates, you can use this form to seek a tribunal decision.
Who Oversees Renters’ Rights in Wales?
The main body handling disputes about rental standards and safety in Wales is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
Summary: What to Expect and What to Do
In summary, you should always be provided with:
- A valid Gas Safety Certificate (if gas is present)
- An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Working smoke (and where relevant, carbon monoxide) alarms
If you notice you are missing any of these, contact your landlord and, if necessary, your local council for support. For serious safety concerns, the council can inspect your home and take action.
If you’re unsure about the certificates you’ve received, ask your landlord to supply official copies. This protects your safety and legal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What safety certificates must a landlord provide before I move in?
Your landlord must provide a valid Gas Safety Certificate (if there are gas appliances), an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before you move in. - Can I refuse to move in if the certificates are missing?
Yes, you have the right to delay your tenancy start date until all required certificates are provided for your safety. - Who do I report missing certificates or unsafe conditions to?
You can report to your local council’s housing department or use the official RHW6 form to apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if the issue is serious. - Does my landlord need to renew these certificates during my tenancy?
The Gas Safety Certificate must be renewed annually, the EICR every 5 years, and the EPC every 10 years or when major changes are made. Your landlord should provide you updated copies when renewed. - What happens if my landlord tries to evict me without providing the right certificates?
You can challenge the eviction notice with the Residential Property Tribunal Wales as they may be invalid without the required safety certificates.
Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales
- Welsh Government: Renting Homes & Housing Rights
- Shelter Cymru – Free Housing Advice for Renters
- Find your Local Authority (Council)
- Residential Property Tribunal Wales
