Your Rights for Social Housing Repairs in Wales

Living in social housing in Wales comes with clear rights and responsibilities when it comes to property repairs. If you are facing issues such as damp, heating breakdowns, or other disrepairs in your home, knowing the right steps to take and the legal support available can help you resolve problems faster and ensure your home is safe and comfortable.

Understanding Social Housing Repairs in Wales

If you rent from a local authority or a registered social landlord (such as a housing association) in Wales, your landlord is legally required to keep your home in good repair. This includes the structure, exterior, heating, water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and communal areas.

• You have the right to a safe and habitable home
• Your landlord must fix any disrepair affecting health, safety, or security
• Repairs should be carried out within a reasonable time after you report them

Relevant Welsh legislation for social housing repairs includes the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016^[1] and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985^[2].

What Repairs Are Covered?

The law says your landlord is responsible for repairs to:

• External walls, windows, doors, roof, and gutters
• Water and gas pipes, electrical wiring, boilers, and heating
• Sanitary fittings like sinks, toilets, baths, and showers
• Safety equipment in communal areas

Tenants are usually responsible for minor maintenance, such as changing light bulbs or replacing batteries in smoke detectors.

Reporting a Repair in Social Housing

Always report repairs as soon as possible, ideally in writing or by contacting your social landlord’s repairs service. Many housing associations and councils have online forms or telephone lines. Keep a copy of your request for your records.

• Give clear details of the repair
• Include photos if possible
• Ask for a reference number or written acknowledgment

If you are in urgent need (e.g., no heating in winter), mark your request as 'urgent'.

What If Your Landlord Doesn’t Carry Out Repairs?

If your landlord does not respond in a reasonable time, you have options:

• Send a reminder in writing, or follow up by phone
• Use a formal complaints process if available
• Contact the Housing Ombudsman if the issue is unresolved after following the social landlord’s complaints procedure
• Apply to the courts or relevant tribunal if safety or your health is at risk

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Complaint Form (for Housing Ombudsman): Use the official complaint form to escalate unresolved repair issues. For example, if your landlord ignores leaks causing mould after you have used their complaints process, complete and submit this form online or by post.
• Fitness for Human Habitation application: In serious cases, you may apply to the court under the Fitness for Human Habitation sections of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016^[1]. Guidance is available via Welsh Government's Homes Fit for Human Habitation guidance. If, for instance, the property has recurring damp and mould affecting your health and the landlord doesn’t act, you may apply to court for remedial action or compensation. Forms are obtained via HM Courts & Tribunals Service.

Your local authority's environmental health team can help if your home presents a serious risk. Learn more at the official GOV.UK repairs complaints page.

The Tribunal Responsible for Housing Issues

In Wales, many housing disputes, including those about repairs, can ultimately be addressed by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). This body deals with disputes involving landlords, tenants, and social housing providers.

Key Legal Rights to Remember

• You must allow reasonable access for repairs, except in emergencies
• Your landlord cannot charge you for repairs that are legally their responsibility
• Your tenancy cannot be ended solely for reporting repairs

Knowing these rights under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 can give you confidence to take action.

Useful Steps if Repairs Aren’t Completed

If repeated requests are ignored:

• Escalate through the social landlord’s formal complaints process (ask for their policy if unsure)
• If unresolved, contact the Housing Ombudsman Service
• For serious health and safety concerns, contact your local council’s environmental health department
• As a last resort, seek free advice about court action from Civil Legal Advice

These steps help ensure you are protected while resolving disrepair issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my social landlord ignores my repair request?
   Start by sending a follow-up in writing, then use the landlord’s formal complaints procedure. If still unresolved, you can file a complaint with the Housing Ombudsman after 8 weeks or once the process finishes.
2. Who pays for repairs in social housing?
   Your landlord must pay for repairs to the structure, systems, and facilities they provide. You are responsible for minor maintenance and any damage you cause.
3. Can my landlord evict me for reporting repairs?
   No. The law protects tenants from retaliatory eviction when requesting repairs. Always keep records of communication.
4. Which official tribunal handles social housing disputes in Wales?
   The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is responsible for many housing disputes, including repairs.
5. What legislation covers social housing repairs in Wales?
   The main legal protections come from the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

Key Takeaways

• Social landlords in Wales must keep your home safe, secure, and in repair
• If repairs are delayed, escalate using the complaints process and official forms
• Know your rights under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, and seek support if needed

Understanding these steps helps ensure your living conditions are protected and your voice is heard.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• GOV.UK Social Housing Repairs Guidance
• Shelter Cymru: Repairs and Bad Conditions (free advice)
• Find your local council in Wales
• Housing Ombudsman Service
• HM Courts & Tribunals Service

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

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