What to Do If Local Councils Don’t Enforce Housing Law in Wales

In Wales, renters have important rights under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which requires local authorities to enforce standards and address complaints. But what if your council doesn’t act on repairs, illegal evictions, or housing hazards? This guide explains what to do when local authorities fail to enforce the law, outlining your options and support available to you as a renter in Wales.

Why Might Local Authorities Not Enforce Housing Law?

Local authorities have a duty to enforce housing standards, handle complaints, and intervene in cases such as:

• Unsafe housing and health hazards
• Unlawful eviction or harassment
• Improper notice or rent increases

Sometimes councils may be slow to respond due to resourcing, lost paperwork, or administrative delays. Understanding your rights helps you take informed next steps if you feel your concerns have not been handled correctly.

Steps Renters Can Take If the Law Isn’t Being Enforced

If your local authority in Wales isn’t taking action on your housing issue, follow these action steps to escalate your complaint and seek resolution.

1. Gather Evidence and Contact Your Local Authority Again

• Keep records of your communications (emails, phone logs, letters).
• Provide clear details: property address, problem, steps taken by your landlord, and safety risks involved.
• Follow up in writing, politely requesting an update on your previous complaint.

2. Submit a Formal Complaint to the Council

If informal contact leads nowhere, use your council’s official complaints process:

• Find the housing complaints procedure on your council’s official website (e.g., Cardiff Council’s Complaints procedure).
• Use the official complaints form or complaint portal (for example: Cardiff Council’s online complaints form).

Example: If you reported dangerous disrepair and received no inspection or update within reasonable time, submit a formal complaint with evidence attached (photos, communication logs).

3. Escalate to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

If the council does not resolve your formal complaint, contact the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

• When: After completing your council’s complaints procedure (usually within 12 months of the incident)
• How: Use their official complaints form (also available in Welsh/English).
• Form Name: Ombudsman’s Complaint Form
• Practical Example: If the local authority still hasn’t taken action on a repair request and you’ve formally complained, submit the form with details and supporting documents.

4. Apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales

The Residential Property Tribunal Wales is an independent panel handling disputes about housing law not enforced by councils, such as rent increases, unlawful eviction, or repairs.

• Relevant Form: Application Form (varies depending on issue, e.g., Rent Assessment Application, Case Number: RPTW1)
• When: If you need an independent judgment or your landlord/authority has not resolved your statutory complaint
• How: Download from the forms and guidance page, complete, and submit as directed.
• Example: After council inaction, apply to the tribunal for a rent determination or contest an unlawful eviction.

Tip: Always keep copies of all forms, letters, and any tribunal correspondence for your records.

5. Know the Law Protecting You

Your primary protection as a renter is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and its supporting regulations. This legislation sets minimum property standards, notice periods, and your rights to safe accommodation. Councils must enforce these standards, and bodies like the Ombudsman and Tribunal ensure you’re not left without support if councils fall short.

FAQ: Renters’ Questions About Local Authority Inaction in Wales

1. What if my local council ignores my complaint about unsafe housing?
   If your council fails to act, submit a formal complaint using their official procedure. If there’s still no resolution, escalate to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and consider seeking independent resolution from the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
2. How do I submit a complaint to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales?
   After finishing the council’s complaints process, use the Ombudsman’s official complaint form with details and supporting documents. The Ombudsman investigates cases where authorities may have failed in their duty.
3. Who oversees landlord-tenant disputes in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales is the designated independent body for tenancy dispute resolution in Wales.
4. Which law protects renters’ rights in Wales?
   The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 outlines your rights and local authority duties regarding housing standards, notice, and protection from unlawful evictions.
5. Can I take legal action if neither the council nor Ombudsman helps?
   Yes, you may seek independent advice or legal help and, where eligible, apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for a formal resolution.

Key Takeaways for Renters in Wales

• If your local council isn’t enforcing housing law, don’t give up—there are several official pathways to seek help.
• Document all interactions and use official complaint forms at every stage.
• Bodies like the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and the Residential Property Tribunal Wales exist to protect your rights if the council fails in its duty.

Remember: Staying informed and following each escalation route gives you the best chance for a fair outcome.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

• Welsh Government: Housing Services
• Shelter Cymru: Housing Advice (independent charity)
• Public Services Ombudsman for Wales – complaint process guidance
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – official applications and dispute resolution
• Search for your local council’s housing portal or complaints page online

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1. See the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – legislation.gov.uk
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales: Official website
3. Public Services Ombudsman for Wales: Official complaints guidance
4. Welsh Government: Housing services overview

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