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.
What The Templates Cover
There are an extensive range of professionally drafted documents covering all aspects of residential letting under Welsh law, including:
- Practical compliance and guidance explaining landlord obligations, contract types, and compliance requirements under the Act, as well as compliance with the new changes introduced by the Renters' Rights Act affecting Wales.
- Tenant Referencing Checks
- Tenancy Deposit Protection, Prescribed Information and Compliance Documents
- Pre contract documentation compliance
- Standard Occupation Contracts and Model Written Statements templates
- Templates to support the ongoing management of occupation contracts, record-keeping, and landlord-tenant communications.
- Landlord Notices for legally terminating Occupation Contracts and Possession Procedure documents
Why Use These Templates
Using the correct documents helps landlords and letting agents:
- Comply with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and Renters' Rights Act 2025
- Use valid and enforceable occupation contracts and notices
- Reduce the risk of disputes or invalid documentation; and
- Manage residential tenancies in Wales confidently and efficiently
Please select from the options below:
- Landlord Guidance on Occupation Contracts & Compliance Documents in Wales
- Renting Homes Wales: Pre-Contract Documents
- Residential Tenant Referencing for Landlords and Letting Agents in Wales
- Residential Tenancy Deposit Protection, Prescribed Information and Compliance Documents for Landlords and Letting Agents in Wales
- 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)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is letting a property in Wales different from England?
Wales has its own system under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, in force since 1 December 2022. Tenancies and licences became occupation contracts, tenants are contract-holders and you must give a written statement of the contract. No-fault possession uses a section 173 notice needing at least six months' notice, not the England section 21 or section 8 route. You must also register and licence with Rent Smart Wales.
What is an occupation contract and who is a contract-holder?
An occupation contract is the Welsh replacement for a residential tenancy or licence, and the occupier is called a contract-holder. There are two main types: secure contracts, used mostly by councils and housing associations, and standard contracts, used for most private lettings. A standard contract can be periodic or fixed term. Every contract-holder must be given a written statement setting out the contract terms.
Do I need to register and licence with Rent Smart Wales?
Yes. Under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 every landlord of a rental property in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales. If you carry out letting or management tasks yourself you must also be licensed, which requires training. If you use an agent, the agent must be licensed. Letting or managing without the right registration and licence is an offence and can lead to fixed penalties and rent stopped by a rent stopping order.
Does the Renters' Rights Act 2025 affect Wales at all?
Mostly no, but in one area yes. England's tenancy reforms, such as the abolition of section 21 and the move to assured periodic tenancies, do not apply in Wales, which already reformed under its own Act. However, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and the Renting Homes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026 add anti-discrimination protections for contract-holders with children or on benefits, in force from 1 June 2026.
Which documents do I need across the life of a Welsh letting?
You need documents at every stage: pre-contract referencing and consents, the written statement of the occupation contract, deposit protection and prescribed information, in-contract notices such as the landlord's address and rent variation, and the correct Welsh forms for ending a contract or seeking possession. This group is organised in that order, so you can pick the right template for the stage you are at.