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Private Renting

Private landlords in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales. It is an offence not to be registered.

You can check if a landlord is registered by visiting the Rent Smart Wales online public register. If they are not, you can contact Rent Smart Wales on 03000 133344.

Repairs and maintenance

The council is responsible for the regulation of housing conditions and safety in the private rented sector in Torfaen.

Responsibilities include:

  • Carrying out assessments of private-rented housing, under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
  • Investigating complaints of public nuisances, such as dirty premises, noxious premises, accumulations of rubbish in gardens, smell nuisances and nuisances from animals kept on premises.
  • Investigating queries with regards to empty properties.
  • Investigating complaints of damp and deterioration and where the poor condition of one property is affecting another.
  • Investigating issues arising from defective private drains and sewers.
  • Investigating allegations of landlord harassment or unlawful eviction.

We can offer help and advice if a landlord refuses to carry out necessary repairs.

We may also be able to take enforcement action.

Housing - private rented property complaint

Harassment and Illegal Eviction

It is illegal for a landlord to harass a tenant or force them from their home.

Landlords and lettings agents must follow the correct process to evict tenants.

Tenants cannot be evicted for asking for repairs or complaining about dangerous housing conditions, regardless of whether you owe rent, or your fixed term contract has come to an end.

For advice, please contact the Housing Safety and Environmental Protection Team.

Report a problem with harassment or being threatened with illegal eviction by your landlord

Useful information

The below links contain useful information for people accessing private rented accommodation:

Public Health

01633 648009
public.health@torfaen.gov.uk