Renting Homes Wales

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which came into force on 1 December 2022, introduced the most significant reform of Welsh housing law in decades. The Act fundamentally changed how residential tenancies operate in Wales, including the structure of tenancy agreements – now known as occupation contracts, the way notices must be served, and the legal responsibilities of landlords and letting agents. 

Understanding and complying with these changes is essential to avoid invalid notices, disputes, or enforcement action. 

Renters' Rights Act 2025 and Implications for Wales 

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and the Renting Homes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026 introduce new anti-discrimination provisions into The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 which come into effect from 01 June 2026.  From this date, it will become unlawful for a landlord or letting agent acting on their behalf, to discriminate against applicants because they have children, or receive benefits. Landlords and letting agents cannot refuse a prospective tenant from:

• viewing or enquiring about a property
• entering into an occupation contract 
• receiving benefits during occupation
• having a child live at or visit the dwelling

From 1st June 2026, new fundamental terms will be incorporated into most secure term standard and periodic standard occupation contracts in Wales. 

What Must Landlords Do

Landlords in Wales are required to update their standard occupation contracts by formal variation by 14 June 2026, or include the fundamental terms in new standard occupation contracts from 01 June 2026.  A landlord can choose to:

• update the existing written statement or the occupation contract to incorporate the new fundamental terms and give this to the contract-holder; or 
• give a written statement of these new terms to their contract-holder making clear where these new terms are to sit within the existing written statement

A template letter setting out the variation terms will shortly be available for download, and the occupation contracts will also be updated with the new incorporated terms in readiness of the deadline.

What The Templates Cover

There are an extensive range of professionally drafted documents covering all aspects of residential letting under Welsh law, including:

• Practical Guidance notes explaining landlord obligations, contract types, and compliance requirements under the Act
• Standard occupation contracts
• Model written statements 
• Pre-contract information and supporting documents 
• Templates to support the ongoing management of occupation contracts, record-keeping, and landlord-tenant communications. 
• Prescribed Notices and Forms for bringing occupation contracts to an end lawfully 

Why Use These Templates

Using the correct documents helps landlords and letting agents:

• Comply with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
• Use valid and enforceable occupation contracts and notices 
• Reduce the risk of disputes or invalid documentation 
• Manage residential tenancies in Wales confidently and efficiently 

Please select from the options below:

• Wales: Landlord Guidance on Occupation Contracts & Compliance Documents
• Residential Tenant Referencing, Affordability and Right to Rent Checks for Landlords and Letting Agents in Wales
• Residential Tenancy Deposit Protection, Prescribed Information and Compliance Documents for Landlords and Letting Agents in Wales
• Renting Homes Wales: Pre-Contract Documents
• Standard Occupation Contracts and Model Written Statements
• Residential Landlord Notices and Compliance Forms including Change of Landlord Details and Rent Variation (Wales)
• Residential Landlord Notices for Ending Occupation Contracts and Possession Procedures in Wales (Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016)

Renting Homes Wales is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.