Guidance on Standard Occupation Contracts for use by private landlords and letting agents in Wales

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 introduced a new legal framework for residential letting in Wales, which came fully into force on 1 December 2022. Under the Act, most residential tenancies and licences were replaced with standard occupation contracts, fundamentally changing how landlords and letting agents create, manage, and end residential agreements. 

This guidance is designed to help private landlords and letting agents in Wales understand and apply the rules governing standard occupation contracts. It explains how the occupation contract system works in practice, the types of agreements covered or excluded by the Act, and they key compliance obligations landlords must meet when issuing written statements, managing converted contracts, and dealing with contract variations. 

Why Landlords Should Download This Document 

By using this guidance, landlords can ensure they:

• Understand when an occupation contract applies
• Comply with written statements and information requirements 
• Correctly manage fixed term and periodic standard occupation contracts 
• Avoid common compliance risks under Welsh housing law

This guidance provides clear and practical explanation of the occupation contract regime, supporting lawful tenancy management and helping landlords remain compliance with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. 

Once you have purchased access to the appropriate document folder click on the “Download Document” button below. You will be asked what you want to do with the file. It is recommended that you save the document to a location of your choice prior to viewing.

Guidance on Standard Occupation Contracts for use by private landlords and letting agents in Wales is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.