What To Do If Your Landlord Refuses Repairs in Wales

Dealing with unresolved repair issues can be stressful for renters in Wales. If you have reported a problem like damp, heating breakdowns, or unsafe conditions but your landlord isn’t taking action, you still have rights—and official steps you can take to ensure your home remains safe and habitable. This guide explains what you can do if your landlord refuses to carry out repairs, including your rights under Welsh housing law, relevant forms, official processes, and where to get support.

Your Landlord’s Legal Repair Responsibilities in Wales

All landlords in Wales have a legal duty to keep rented properties safe and in good repair. These rights are protected by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and supported by local authorities and Rent Smart Wales. Landlords must:

• Keep the structure and exterior of your home in good repair
• Ensure installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating, and hot water are safe and working
• Address hazards and meet the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) standards
• Undertake urgent repairs within a reasonable timeframe

For more guidance, refer to the official Welsh Government repairs guidance for tenants.

What To Do If a Landlord Ignores or Refuses Repairs

If you have reported a repair and your landlord is refusing or ignoring it, take the following steps. Documenting your requests and responses is crucial:

• Write to your landlord describing the issue and requesting a timeframe for repairs—keep a copy for your records
• Photos, emails, and texts all help prove you reported the repair
• If you feel at risk or there is no response, you can escalate the matter

1. Contact Your Local Council’s Environmental Health Department

Your local council can inspect your home and serve official notices on your landlord if they find health and safety risks. To do this, contact your council and ask for the Environmental Health team. They may carry out an HHSRS inspection under housing law in Wales.

If the council finds a serious hazard, they can order your landlord to fix it. Non-compliance could result in fines or further legal action.

2. Use Official Complaint Procedures

• Submit a complaint to your local council (no specific national form—process varies by council, usually an online form or email; see your local Welsh authority contact)

Example: If you have mould and the landlord does not act after being notified in writing, you can report it to your local council using their "report poor housing conditions" service.

3. Applying to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales

If repairs are not completed after the council intervenes, or in certain disputes, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. This body hears disputes about repairs, rent, and housing conditions.
While there is no single official application form, guidance for cases about repairs can be found on the tribunal’s Application Forms page.

• Form Example: "Application Under Section 181 of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016" – used if you believe the landlord fails to comply with occupation contract requirements.
  Download the application form and guidance here.
  Practical use: A renter uses this form after multiple failed attempts to get urgent repairs addressed, with evidence they have notified the landlord and engaged the council.

Decisions from the Tribunal are legally binding for both tenants and landlords.

Understanding Your Rights and Providing Notice

• Never withhold rent: This could place you at risk of eviction even if repairs are overdue
• If you want to leave due to unresolved disrepair, always check your contract and the required notice periods first
• If living in the property is unsafe, tell the council and seek urgent help

In summary, Welsh law is clear that landlords must carry out repairs, but the process for getting them done starts with proper documentation and use of official channels. Support is available if informal requests don’t work.

FAQs: Landlord Repairs in Wales

1. Can I withhold rent if the landlord ignores repairs?
   No, you should not withhold rent as this could risk eviction. Instead, use official complaint routes like contacting your local council or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
2. How quickly must the landlord carry out repairs?
   Landlords must complete urgent repairs within a "reasonable" timeframe. This can mean days for safety issues, but always report the issue in writing and give the landlord a chance to respond first.
3. What can the council do about disrepair?
   Your council’s Environmental Health team can inspect your home and order the landlord to make repairs—potentially taking enforcement action if needed.
4. Are there official forms for reporting repairs?
   There are no national forms for initial reporting, but you can use your council’s complaint process. If escalating, you may use the "Application Under Section 181 of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016" to apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
5. Who can help if my landlord is still refusing repairs?
   You can get advice from Shelter Cymru, Citizens Advice, your local council, or the Renting Homes Wales advice service.

Conclusion: What To Remember

• Your landlord must keep your home in good repair under Welsh law
• Start by reporting problems in writing and keeping clear records
• If repairs aren’t dealt with, you have formal channels: Local Council, then Residential Property Tribunal Wales

Knowing the process and your legal rights can help you resolve repair issues—and ensure your home is safe and decent to live in.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• UK Government: Repairs in Rented Housing
• Shelter Cymru: Repairs and Bad Conditions
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales
• Citizens Advice Wales: Repairs in Rented Housing
• Contact your local Welsh council for Environmental Health support

---

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Welsh Government: Repairs and maintenance guidance
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales
4. HHSRS guidance for landlords

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