Who Is Responsible for Appliance Repairs in Welsh Rentals?

If you rent a home in Wales and encounter issues with appliances like fridges, washing machines, or ovens, it can be confusing to know who should arrange (and pay) for repairs. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant—as well as your landlord’s obligations—can help you resolve problems quickly and fairly, in line with Welsh housing law.

Understanding Appliance Responsibilities in Rented Properties

Appliance repair duties in Welsh rented homes depend on several factors, including what appliances are provided in your contract, the cause of the fault, and your type of tenancy. Here’s what you need to know:

• Landlord-provided appliances: If your landlord supplies appliances (such as a cooker or washing machine) as part of your contract, they are generally responsible for repairing or replacing them if they break due to normal wear and tear.
• Tenant-owned appliances: If you supply your own white goods, you’re usually responsible for their upkeep and repair.
• Tenant-like care: You’re expected to use appliances properly, keep them reasonably clean, and carry out minor, routine maintenance—sometimes called “tenant-like manner.”
• Abuse or misuse: If damages are due to neglect or improper use, tenants may be liable for repair costs.

For further reading, see Welsh Government: Renting Homes Guidance.

What the Law Says about Appliance Repairs

In Wales, the main law covering rented property standards is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016^[1]. It outlines the landlord’s legal duty to keep the structure, exterior, and key installations (like water, gas, electricity, and heating) in good repair. Appliances such as fridges or washing machines aren’t mentioned directly in the Act but are covered if they form part of your contract.

Your ‘occupation contract’ should set out exactly what the landlord must provide and their repair obligations. Always check your contract for a list of supplied appliances and their condition at the tenancy start.

Are All Appliances the Landlord’s Responsibility?

Landlords must repair or replace appliances that are:

• Listed in your written occupation contract as part of the property
• Supplied by the landlord and not excluded from repair obligations in the contract

However, if the appliance was left by a previous tenant without agreement, or you purchased it yourself, the repair is usually your own responsibility.

How to Request an Appliance Repair

If an appliance for which your landlord is responsible stops working:

• Inform your landlord or letting agent in writing as soon as possible
• Describe the problem clearly and include photos where possible
• Ask when the repair will be carried out and keep records of your communication

If the landlord doesn’t respond or refuses to fix an appliance covered by your contract, you can progress your complaint using official procedures.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• RHW6: Report a Failure to Carry Out Repairs
  If your landlord does not complete repairs, you may use the “RHW6 – Application to Require Landlord to Remedy Defect” form to escalate your complaint to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. For example: If your landlord supplied the washing machine and it remains broken after repeated requests, you could submit this form.
  Download RHW6 form

Submit the completed form by email or post to the Tribunal. Full instructions are included in the form document.

Resolving Appliance Disputes

If you cannot resolve appliance responsibilities with your landlord, you can:

• Contact your local council’s Housing Standards team for help enforcing property standards
• Use the Tribunal for persistent repair failures—see above
• Contact advice agencies (see below) for practical support

1. Do landlords have to replace old or faulty appliances?
   If the appliance is listed in your contract and fails through normal use, the landlord should repair or replace it promptly.
2. What if the contract is unclear about appliances?
   Speak with your landlord first. If disputes persist, seek support from housing advice agencies or your council’s housing team.
3. Can I repair an appliance myself and claim the cost?
   Only do essential repairs yourself if the landlord is unresponsive, and always inform them in writing. You may claim reasonable costs, but this can be disputed, so seek advice first.
4. Who do I contact if repairs are not done?
   After trying to resolve directly, use the RHW6 form for the Tribunal or contact your local council’s private sector housing team for help.
5. Are landlords responsible for portable appliances?
   Generally, if supplied by the landlord and included in the contract, they are responsible. Items not in the contract or left voluntarily do not usually count.

Key Takeaways for Welsh Renters

• Check your occupation contract to see if the appliance is covered
• Your landlord is responsible for repairs to supplied appliances (unless excluded in the contract)
• Keep clear records and use the official RHW6 form if repairs are not addressed

Knowing your rights—and how to document and escalate unresolved issues—helps you maintain a safe and livable home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Handles disputes and applications under Welsh housing law
• Welsh Government: Housing – Official tenant and landlord guidance
• Shelter Cymru: Repairs – Free, independent help for Welsh renters
• Your local council’s Private Sector Housing or Environmental Health team

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales
3. Welsh Government: Renting Homes Guidance