New Version Fixed Term Occupation Contract for use in Wales

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (“the Act”) changed how properties in Wales are let and saw the introduction of occupation contracts in place of assured shorthold tenancies.  The Welsh Government has produced Model Written Statements which are available for use by landlords but the statements do not incorporate many of the standard provisions which would previously have been found in an assured shorthold tenancy.  Additionally, the Model Written Statements do not provide the appropriate wording to enable a landlord to pursue the new abandonment ground for possession.

A new fixed term written statement for use in Wales is now available.  This template is intended to be more suitable for use by landlords. It incorporates many additional provisions not included within the Welsh Government's Model Written Statement but which are permissible under the terms of the Act.

Where a fundamental or supplementary term of the Model Written Statement has been omitted or changed in the template, these are identified as follows:

• Omissions of text have been struck through
• New text is shown in CAPITALS
• New additional provisions are identified with an (A) 

Contract-holders need to know if there are differences to Model Written Statements and what those differences are.  It is important therefore that the changes in this template remain in the text of the final version issued to contract-holders to be in compliance with the Act.

As always, you should seek legal advice if you are not sure whether this template will meet your needs or if you need help to edit or add to them to meet your particular needs.