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Renting Homes Wales

Standard Occupation Contracts and Model Written Statements

These documents are designed for private residential landlords and letting agents in Wales to support compliance with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which governs all residential lettings in Wales following its implementation on 01 December 2022.

This section provides a comprehensive set of occupation contract templates, model written statements, and pre-contract documentation to assist landlords and agents in managing residential lettings lawfully and efficiently.

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.

About These Documents

Under Welsh housing law, landlords must provide a written statement of the occupation contract to all contract-holders. These documents set out the legally binding terms governing the occupation of residential property in Wales.

The official model written statements for periodic standard occupation contracts, and fixed term standard occupation contracts (under seven years) are issued by the Welsh Government and must be used in accordance with statutory requirements.

These documents should always be read alongside the official Welsh Government guidance on occupation contracts, which explains:

  • when written statements must be provided
  • how model statements should be used
  • landlord and agent compliance duties
  • risks of non-compliance with the legislation

Purpose of These Documents

These templates are designed to:

  • ensure compliance with Welsh housing legislation
  • support correct use of occupation contracts and written statements
  • provide clarity at the pre-contract stage of a letting
  • reduce legal and administrative risk
  • assist landlords and agents in meeting statutory disclosure obligations

All templates are drafted in clear, plain English to ensure they are accessible to landlords, agents, and contract-holders. Where legal terminology is required, explanations are included to support understanding and compliance.

Important Compliance Information

Failure to issue or correctly use a written statement or occupation contract may result in:

  • breach of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
  • restrictions on enforcement or possession rights
  • regulatory or legal consequences

Standard Occupation Contracts and Model Written Statements is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a model written statement and do I have to use it? +
The written statement is the document that records the terms of the occupation contract, and you must give one to every contract-holder. The Welsh Government publishes model written statements for periodic standard contracts and fixed term standard contracts under seven years. You do not have to use the exact model, but using it is the safest way to include all the fundamental terms correctly. These templates are based on the model statements.
What are fundamental, supplementary and additional terms? +
Fundamental terms are the core terms set by law that cover the most important rights and responsibilities, some of which cannot be left out or changed to the contract-holder's disadvantage. Supplementary terms deal with the practical day-to-day matters and can be adapted by agreement. Additional terms are anything else you and the contract-holder agree, provided they are fair. The written statement must set out all three.
When must I give the written statement and what if I do not? +
You must give the written statement within 14 days of the occupation date. If you are late, you cannot serve a section 173 no-fault notice for six months from the day you eventually provide it, and the contract-holder may claim compensation of up to a set amount of rent. This makes prompt service important. Use the model based statement and record the date you provided it.
What are the new fundamental terms from 1 June 2026? +
From 1 June 2026 new fundamental terms prevent discrimination against contract-holders who have children or receive benefits, added by the Renting Homes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026. New standard contracts from that date include them automatically. For existing contracts you must vary the written statement to add the new terms, or give a written statement of them, no later than 14 June 2026. The updated statements build these terms in.
Can I still use a fixed term standard contract in Wales? +
Yes. Unlike England, Wales still allows fixed term standard contracts as well as periodic standard contracts, and the Welsh Government publishes a model written statement for fixed term standard contracts under seven years. A fixed term suits situations such as a student let for the academic year. Whichever you use, the written statement, deposit and fitness duties still apply. Pick the model that matches the term you are granting.
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