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
- Landlord Notice Updating Occupation Contracts for New Anti-Discrimination Rules under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (Wales)
- Fixed Term Occupation Contract for a term of less than seven years (non-model version)
- Periodic Occupation Contract for Use in Wales
- Welsh Government Model Written Statement of a Periodic Standard Occupation Contract
- Welsh Government Model Written Statement of a Fixed Term Standard Occupation Contract for a term of less than seven years
- Information Letter for New Occupation Contract
- Letter To Council Tax Department Regarding New Contract-Holder (Wales)
- Standard Occupation Contract Guarantee & Indemnity Agreement
Standard Occupation Contracts and Model Written Statements is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.