LANDLORDS in Wales will be required to meet a number of standards to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation under new rules proposed by the Welsh Government.

The new regulations proposed as part of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 will require property owners to ensure their properties have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and to ensure electrical safety testing is carried out at least once every five years.

The rules also set out 29 separate areas landlords must monitor at the start and during a tenancy, including damp and mould, the presence of asbestos and other artificial fibres along with carbon monoxide, lead, fuel gas and electrical hazards.

Other areas include excess cold and heat, the ability of intruders to enter the property, sanitation and drainage, noise and domestic hygiene, including pest and waste control.

Landlords will also be required to keep track of water supplies, crowding and space, lighting and fall risks.

When a property is deemed to be unfit the tenant will have the right to seek a court order requiring the landlord to remedy the problem.

Announcing a consultation into the proposed regulations, the Welsh Government’s communities and children’s secretary Carl Sargeant said: “Quality homes are crucial to people’s well-being.

“We all know poor living conditions affect a person’s physical and mental health.

“Poor housing conditions such as overcrowding, damp, and cold have been linked to respiratory diseases as well as illnesses such as eczema and hypothermia.

“Housing should go beyond putting a roof over people’s heads."

He added: “Everyone should be entitled to live in an environment that is as safe and healthy as possible.

“There is a need for us to address poor housing conditions, alongside our ambition to raise standards generally.

“The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 replaces various, complex pieces of existing legislation with one clear legal framework. This includes the landlord’s duty within the act to ensure a dwelling is fit for human habitation.”

Take part in the consultation at consultations.gov.wales