The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022

What does the legislation mean for landlords?

The legislation places an obligation on the landlord to ensure that their property is fit for human habitation from the beginning of the tenancy and throughout.

Within the new legislation, there are 29 matters and circumstances  which determine whether a rental property is fit for human habitation, examples including damp and mould growth, excess cold and heat and electrical hazards.

The updates significantly affect the requirements for Fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms within rental properties.

Requirements for Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Smoke Alarms

• Landlords in Wales must ensure that there is a working Smoke alarm on every storey of a property, e.g. hallway and landing
• All Smoke alarms must be mains powered
• All Smoke alarms interconnected with other Smoke alarms in the property
• Landlords should refer to BS 5839-6:2013 for the recommended installation of the required Smoke alarms, however Aico would encourage landlords to reference BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020.
• Additional Smoke alarms can be installed in the property at the landlord’s discretion.
• A landlord may also consider installing a Heat alarm in the kitchen.
• The manufacturer’s replacement date should also be noted to ensure the alarms remain fully operational.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• A Carbon Monoxide alarm must be installed in any room which has a gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliance installed.

Fitness for Human Habitation – Damp and Mould Growth

The guidance also outlines the obligations placed on a landlord to ensure a home is fit for human habitation from the beginning of the tenancy and throughout.

Damp and mould growth is one of the 29 matters, and includes house dust mites and mould or fungal growth. Both are caused by dampness and/or high humidity which are influenced by:

• Reduced ventilation levels
• Increased humidity, particularly above 70%
• Warmer indoor temperatures in winter because of dwelling design in renovated houses

Preventive measures are important in combatting damp and mould, responding proactively in affected areas before conditions worsen.