Wales: Landlord Guidance on Occupation Contracts & Compliance Documents

These Renting Homes Wales guidance documents are designed to help private residential landlords and letting agents understand and comply with the legal requirements introduced by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and related Welsh housing legislation.

The legislation fundamentally changed the way residential property is rented in Wales, replacing traditional tenancy agreements with occupation contracts and introducing new obligations for landlords and agents.

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 These Guidance Notes Cover

The guidance documents explain the key and practical requirements for landlords and agents letting residential property in Wales, including:

Standard occupation contracts and contract-holders rights
Written statement requirements ,prescribed information, fundamental, supplementary, and additional contract terms
Termination rules and notice requirements
Deposit requirements
Fitness for Human Habitation and compliance duties for landlords and letting agents

Why These Documents Are Important

Failure to comply with Welsh housing legislation may result in:

possession claims being delayed or rejected;
financial penalties;
restrictions on serving possession notices; and
enforcement action by local authorities

These guidance notes help landlords and letting agents understand their obligations and maintain compliant residential letting arrangements in Wales.

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All Renting Homes Wales Guidance

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