Landlord Guidance on Occupation Contracts & Compliance Documents in Wales

This collection of Renting Homes Wales guidance documents has been designed to help private residential landlords, letting agents and property professionals understand their legal obligations when letting residential property in Wales.

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 fundamentally changed the legal framework for residential lettings in Wales by replacing traditional tenancy agreements with occupation contracts and written statements.

What Do These Guidance Notes Cover?

Whether you are preparing a new occupation contracts, dealing with deposits, managing repairs, or understanding landlord obligations under Welsh housing legislation, these guidance notes provide practical assistance and compliance support.

The guidance documents cover a range of important topics affecting residential landlords and letting agents in Wales, including an overview of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and supporting legislation.

Understand the requirements relating to standard occupation contracts, secure occupation contracts, written statements, fundamental terms, supplementary terms and additional terms under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

Understand restrictions on prohibited payments, permitted fees and compliance requirements in Wales.

Learn about deposit protection requirements, authorised tenancy deposit schemes, prescribed information obligations and landlord responsibilities when holding deposits in Wales. Additional guidance is available on property inventories.

Guidance on landlord repairing obligations and compliance with the Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022, including requirements relating to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, electrical safety and property condition.

Important Update: Anti- Discrimination Changes from June 2026

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 with effect from 01 June 2026.

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 is available for download as well as updated occupation contracts with the new incorporated terms.

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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Landlord Guidance on Occupation Contracts & Compliance Documents in Wales is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of occupation contract in Wales? +

There are two: secure contracts and standard contracts. Secure contracts are used mainly by councils and housing associations. Standard contracts are used for most private lettings and can be periodic, rolling from one rent period to the next, or fixed term for a set period. Each contract is made up of fundamental terms set by law, supplementary terms and any additional terms you agree. The guidance explains which applies to your letting.

What is a written statement and when must I give it? +

The written statement is the document that sets out the terms of the occupation contract, including the fundamental, supplementary and any additional terms. You must give it to the contract-holder no later than 14 days after the occupation date. If you do not, you cannot use a section 173 no-fault notice for six months from the day you eventually provide it, and you may face a financial claim. Using the Welsh Government model statement is the safest route.

What fees can I charge a contract-holder in Wales? +

Only permitted payments. The Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 bans most fees to contract-holders. You can take rent, a security deposit, a holding deposit of up to one week's rent, payments in default such as a lost key or late rent, and utilities and council tax where the contract provides. Everything else, including admin or referencing fees, is a prohibited payment that you must repay and that can block a section 173 notice.

What are my repair and fitness duties in Wales? +

You must keep the property fit for human habitation throughout the contract. The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 require working smoke alarms, a carbon monoxide alarm where there is a fixed combustion appliance and a valid electrical safety report (EICR) obtained at least every five years. Fitness is assessed against listed hazards. Failing to meet these duties can make a section 173 notice invalid.

What do I have to change by June 2026 for the anti-discrimination rules? +

New fundamental terms preventing discrimination against contract-holders who have children or receive benefits take effect from 1 June 2026, added by the Renting Homes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026. For new standard contracts from that date the terms are included automatically. For existing contracts you must either vary the written statement to add the new terms or give a written statement of them, no later than 14 June 2026.

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All Renting Homes Wales Guidance

All Renting Homes Wales