Repairs if you have a private landlord

Repairs if you have a private landlord quick links: 

  1. Responsibility for repairs 
  2. Conditions in my home are affecting my health 
  3. Can I be evicted if I ask for repairs? 

If you have a private landlord and your home needs repairs, your landlord is responsible for most repairs, but you also have some responsibilities. This section explains who is responsible for what and what you can do if your landlord refuses to carry out repairs. 

You might want to download our Disrepair factsheet. 

If you are under 25 take a look at our Repairs and bad conditions advice page, specifically put together for young people. 

Responsibility for repairs

This section explains what repairs your landlord is responsible for, and what your responsibilities are as a private contract-holder or occupier.

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Is the place fit to live in?

All rented properties must meet certain standards to make sure they are safe and fit to live in. Find out what you can do to make sure your property is safe.

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Conditions in my home are affecting my health

The council’s environmental health team can look into serious repair problems that affect your health or put you at risk.

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When should I do the repairs instead of my landlord?

In some situations private occupiers have to do repairs themselves, for example where they have caused damage. If you want to do repairs because your landlord won’t do them, there’s a procedure you must follow.

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Reporting, evidence and access

Private occupiers must let their landlords know about any repair work that needs doing. They should also allow reasonable access so that the work can be done.

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Furniture and equipment

If you rent from a private landlord and the place is furnished, it’s likely that both you and your landlord have responsibilities to repair or replace furniture and other household items provided.

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Disruption and poor work

If your landlord arranges repairs, they are responsible for the builders’ work. This page explains what you can do if the work isn’t done properly, or if it causes major disruption.

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Taking court action

If a landlord won’t carry out repairs, it may be possible to get a court order instructing them to do the work and/or claim compensation.

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Compensation for disrepair

If disrepair in your home has made you ill, caused you inconvenience and stress, or damaged your belongings, you might be able to claim an amount of compensation from your landlord.

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Can I be evicted if I ask for repairs?

Your landlord cannot evict you just because you ask them to do repairs or make the property fit to live in.

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Did you find this helpful?

Yn anffodus, ni allwn ddarparu'r wybodaeth hon yn Gymraeg. Mae cyfieithiad Cymraeg ar gael trwy'r ddolen Cymorth Clyweledol ar frig y dudalen. Fodd bynnag, ni fydd y cyfieithiad yn gwbl gywir bob amser gan ei fod yn cael ei gynhyrchu'n awtomatig
Unfortunately, we cannot provide this information in Welsh. There is a Welsh translation available via the Audio Visual Help link at the top of the page. However, these will not always be completely accurate as they are automatically generated.

This page was last updated on: April 25, 2023

Shelter Cymru acknowledges the support of Shelter in allowing us to adapt their content. The information contained on this site is updated and maintained by Shelter Cymru and only gives general guidance on the law in Wales. It should not be regarded or relied upon as a complete or authoritative statement of the law.