Welsh Government Model Written Statement of a Fixed Term Standard Occupation Contract for a term of less than seven years
This Welsh Government Model Written Statement of a Fixed Term Standard Occupation Contract is the prescribed model form issued by the Welsh Government. It incorporates all fundamental and supplementary provisions applicable to a fixed term standard occupation contract in Wales without modification.
Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, private landlords in Wales now grant standard occupation contracts instead of traditional tenancies and licences. Existing tenancies and licences within scope of the Act converted automatically into occupation contracts on 01 December 2022.
This model written statement may be used by private landlords and letting agents in Wales as the basis for creating a new fixed term standard occupation contract.
While landlords may modify, omit, or add terms, this must be done strictly in accordance with the Act. Any additional terms must not conflict with fundamental or supplementary provisions.
Use of this model is not mandatory; however, any alternative contract must fully comply with Welsh housing legislation.
Types of Standard Occupation Contracts
Standard occupation contracts in Wales are divided into:
- Periodic standard occupation contracts
- Fixed term standard occupation contracts
A fixed term occupation contract runs for a specified agreed period. If the contract-holder remains in occupation after the fixed term ends, the contract automatically converts into a periodic standard occupation contract under the Act.
Important Legislative Changes – Renters’ Rights Act 2025
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and the Renting Homes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026 introduce significant anti-discrimination provisions into Welsh housing law with effect from 01 June 2026.
From this date, it will be unlawful for landlords or letting agents acting on their behalf to discriminate against applicants or contract-holders because they have children, or receive welfare benefits.
Landlords and agents must not refuse a person:
- from viewing or enquiring about a property;
- from entering into an occupation contract;
- because they receive benefits during occupation; or
- because a child lives at or visits the dwelling.
From 01 June 2026, new fundamental terms will automatically apply to most:
- periodic standard occupation contracts
- fixed term standard occupation contracts
- secure occupation contracts in Wales
What Must Welsh Landlords Do?
Landlords in Wales must ensure compliance with the new statutory requirements by:
- updating existing occupation contracts by formal variation before 14 June 2026, or
- ensuring all new occupation contracts granted from 01 June 2026 include the new statutory terms.
Landlords may choose to:
- update the existing written statement or occupation contract and provide the revised version to the contract-holder; or
- provide a written statement setting out the new terms and how they are incorporated into the existing contract.
Updated templates and guidance materials will be made available to assist landlords and letting agents in preparing for these changes.
Guidance for Landlords and Letting Agents
Landlords and agents should refer to the Guidance Notes: Standard Occupation Contracts in Wales.
Crown copyright in this model written statement is acknowledged and contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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