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Renting Homes Wales

Residential Landlord Notices for Ending Occupation Contracts and Possession Procedures in Wales (Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016)

New rules for terminating occupation contracts in Wales are now in force under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

These documents are designed to assist private residential landlords and letting agents when ending standard occupation contracts and converted occupation contracts in Wales, including where possession action may be required.

Under the current Welsh legal framework, the provisions of the Housing Act 1988 relating to Section 8 and Section 21 no longer apply in Wales. Instead, landlords must follow the specific termination and possession procedures set out under Welsh housing law.

About These Documents

This collection includes prescribed Welsh Government notices and supporting templates used when ending occupation contracts or seeking possession of a property.

These notices are required in a range of circumstances, including:

  • termination of periodic standard occupation contracts
  • breach of contract or rent arrears
  • abandonment of the property
  • withdrawal of termination notices
  • preparation for possession proceedings

All documents are drafted in plain English to ensure clarity for landlords, agents, and contract-holders.

Purpose of These Documents

These templates help landlords and agents to:

  • comply with statutory termination procedures in Wales
  • issue valid warning and termination notices
  • support lawful possession claims in court
  • reduce risk of invalid notices or procedural errors
  • ensure compliance with Welsh housing legislation

Residential Landlord Notices for Ending Occupation Contracts and Possession Procedures in Wales (Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016) is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I end a periodic standard contract without giving a reason? +
Use a section 173 notice, the Welsh no-fault route, on form RHW16. You must give the contract-holder at least six months' notice, and you cannot serve a section 173 notice in the first six months of occupation, so the earliest it can take effect is around twelve months in. You also cannot use it if you are in breach of key duties such as deposit protection or the written statement. Then apply to court if the contract-holder does not leave.
Do section 21 and section 8 apply in Wales? +
No. The Housing Act 1988 possession routes, section 21 and section 8, do not apply to occupation contracts in Wales. Instead you use the Welsh procedures: a section 173 notice for no-fault possession of a periodic standard contract, and specific grounds such as serious rent arrears or breach of contract where there is a reason. Using an England form in Wales will not work. The Welsh notice templates use the correct procedures.
My contract-holder is in rent arrears, what can I do? +
You can seek possession for serious rent arrears. For a standard contract where rent is paid monthly, serious rent arrears means at least two months' rent unpaid both when you serve notice and at the hearing. You give at least 14 days' notice using the prescribed form, RHW20, then apply to the county court for possession. Lesser arrears can be pursued as a breach of contract instead. The arrears notice templates set out the process.
What if the contract-holder has abandoned the property? +
There is a specific abandonment procedure. If you believe the property has been abandoned, you serve a warning notice giving the contract-holder four weeks to confirm they have not left, and you must make reasonable enquiries during that period. If, at the end of four weeks, you are still satisfied it is abandoned, you can serve a further notice ending the contract and take possession without a court order. Getting the procedure wrong risks an unlawful eviction claim, so follow it carefully.
Can I withdraw a termination notice if circumstances change? +
Yes. If you have served a termination notice, such as a section 173 notice, and you no longer want to end the contract, you can withdraw it using a withdrawal of termination notice. This lets the contract continue without starting again. Withdrawing in writing keeps the position clear for both sides. The withdrawal template lets you record it correctly so there is no doubt the notice has been cancelled.
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