Periodic Occupation Contract for Use in Wales

This Periodic Occupation Contract (non-model version) is designed for use by private residential landlords and letting agents in Wales as an alternative to the Welsh Government Model Written Statement.

The template incorporates the mandatory fundamental and supplementary provisions set out under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, together with additional standard and enhanced contractual terms commonly used in professionally drafted residential occupation contracts.

This version is intended to provide landlords and agents with a more comprehensive and practical contractual document than the standard Welsh Government model, while remaining fully compliant with Welsh housing law.

Important Legislative Changes – Renters’ Rights Act 2025

Welsh rental-discrimination duties took effect on 1 June 2026. The children-related rules permit a restriction only where the statutory defence or exception is met, including a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. There is no equivalent general legitimate-aim exception for benefits discrimination. A limited exception may apply to a qualifying insurance contract entered into before 1 June 2026 whose duration was not extended on or after 1 June 2026. Check its actual terms; a general landlord preference, mortgage term or renewed insurance policy is not such an exception. Section 54A is not an automatic fundamental term of supported standard contracts, but that does not remove the separate Part 2A applicant-discrimination duties.

The relevant fundamental terms were incorporated by law on 1 June 2026, subject to the statutory exceptions. For an existing standard contract affected on that date, the landlord had to give the contract-holder a written statement of the varied terms or of the contract as varied no later than 14 June 2026. This documents the statutory change; the terms do not wait for the notice or a signature to take effect. If the statement is overdue, provide it promptly and assess the consequences of the delay. Use the applicable terms in new contracts from 1 June 2026.

This updated template incorporating the new anti-discriminatory terms required by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. 

Compliance with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

Where a fundamental or supplementary term of the Model Written Statement has been omitted or modified, the changes are clearly identified within this template as follows:

• Deleted text is shown in strikethrough
• New or amended text is shown in CAPITALS
• Additional provisions are marked with (A)

These annotations must remain in place in the final version of the occupation contract to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Key Additional Provisions in This Template

• Clause 9A – Main Residence Requirement. The dwelling may only be used as the contract-holder’s only or principal home. This supports landlord rights in cases of abandonment.
• Clauses 12A & 14 – Rights of Entry. Additional provisions setting out enhanced landlord rights to enter the property in specified circumstances.
• Clauses 14A and 14B - Anti-discriminatory clauses required by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. 
• Clause 15A – Contract-Holder Responsibilities includes additional obligations relating to upkeep and care of the dwelling, regular testing of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire safety compliance and optional pet provisions (which may be included or removed).
• Clause 15B – Optional clauses imposing additional responsibilities on contract-holders in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
• Clause 26A – Additional obligations relating to the security and safeguarding of the property.
• Clause 38A – End of Contract Provisions

What is a Periodic Occupation Contract?

A periodic occupation contract runs continuously from one rental period to the next (for example weekly or monthly) with no fixed end date. It continues until terminated in accordance with the law or by agreement between the parties.

Further Guidance

Customers should also refer to the Guidance Notes: Standard Occupation Contracts in Wales. 

Why This Template is Useful

This document is designed to:

• support compliance with Welsh housing legislation
• provide clearer and more detailed contractual terms than the model form
• reduce legal and administrative risk for landlords and agents
• improve clarity for contract-holders through plain English drafting

Periodic Occupation Contract (non-model version) is in open format. Either enter the requisite details in the highlighted fields or adjust the wording to suit your purposes.

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