WHQS: Responding to Hazards
1 Apr 2026
HHSRS hazards other than overcrowding where there is potential significant risk arising from building-component defects or disrepair within the landlord’s control.
Official references
WalesIn effect from 1 April 2026
Official sources checked . Review due — check the original sources before relying on this status.
Current position
Fitness for human habitation
Wales also has rented-home fitness duties. Do not apply the WHQS social-housing timetable automatically to private landlords.
Official references
Who is covered?
The WHQS responding-to-hazards rule is for social housing. Wider fitness duties under the Renting Homes framework are a separate consideration for rented homes.
The WHQS rule has a specific social-housing scope and landlord-control conditions. Other housing, fitness, safety and repair obligations are not displaced.
Response stages—not a universal countdown
Read each trigger and the full official qualifications. A working-day investigation, repair commencement and repair completion are different requirements.
Significant risk with imminent harm
Investigate within 24 hours; remedy within a further 24 hours. Make-safe work should be as soon as possible.
Significant risk without imminent harm
Investigate within 10 working days; remedy within a further 5 working days.
Where timely remedy is not possible
On the assumption of best endeavours, provide the required written summary plan within 5 working days. This is not a general exemption from action.
Reporting
The addendum includes quarterly and detailed WHQS compliance reporting requirements.
Official references
For residents
Tell your landlord about the hazard and the people affected. Ask what will happen next, who is handling it and how to escalate an unresolved issue. Use the Welsh Government’s fitness guidance for the separate rented-housing framework.
Official references
Key dates
WHQS element 1c takes effect
In effectFirst quarterly reporting point
Reporting milestone
Future dates are scheduled or intended unless the official source confirms commencement.
Forthcoming changes
Updated WHQS publications, reporting guidance and Welsh resident-facing explanations.
Check the original publications
Official references
All Wales source recordsMore perspectives
Community Housing Cymru
Awaab's Law and Retrofit
A Community Housing Cymru session listing about managing damp and mould risks through retrofit projects.
WalesRead summary