In short
In Wales, since 1 December 2022, nearly everyone who rents a home holds an occupation contract under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. In the private sector this is usually a standard contract. The landlord must give a written statement within 14 days of the move-in date. A landlord’s no-fault notice must give at least 6 months, cannot be served in the first six months, and a rent change needs 2 months’ notice. These are Welsh rules: the English regime is different (see renting in England).
The vocabulary
The tenant is called the contract-holder. The Welsh Government describes two main types:
- Secure contract: for community landlords, meaning local authorities and housing associations. It runs indefinitely and a landlord can normally seek possession only on a legal ground, through a court.
- Standard contract: the default for the private rented sector. It can be periodic or for a fixed term.
The contract is made of key matters (address, start date, rent, how it is paid), fundamental terms that largely cannot be changed, supplementary terms, and any additional terms agreed, such as a pet rule.
The written statement
The landlord must provide the written statement free of charge within 14 days of the occupation date, and a new copy within 14 days if the contract-holder changes. Using the Welsh Government’s model statement is optional. The wording of the statement is what governs, so read it before signing and keep it.
Ending the contract
| Who | Rule (gov.wales) |
|---|---|
| Landlord, no fault | At least 6 months’ notice; cannot be given in the first 6 months; only if the landlord has met certain obligations, including Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing and deposit rules |
| Landlord, breach by contract-holder | At least 1 month, shorter for anti-social behaviour or serious rent arrears |
| Contract-holder | Four weeks’ notice to end a periodic standard contract (gov.wales standard contract guidance). Other sections of the same guidance speak of “one month’s notice” (a possession ground, and a joint contract-holder withdrawing), which concern different situations; check your written statement |
| Landlord break clause | Only in fixed terms of 2 years or more, and not within the first 18 months |
If a court refuses a possession claim because the landlord was trying to avoid repair or fitness duties, the landlord must wait six months before giving a landlord’s notice.
Rent, fitness and recent changes
- Rent change: the landlord must give two months’ notice, and then wait a year before changing the rent again.
- Fitness for human habitation: the landlord must keep the home safe, for example with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and electrical safety tests. Rent is not payable for any period when the home is unfit. Raise concerns with the landlord first and keep paying while it is resolved.
- 1 June 2026: under the Renting Homes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026, two new fundamental terms apply to most occupation contracts. A landlord may restrict children living in or visiting the home only where proportionate to a legitimate aim, and may not prohibit a contract-holder from claiming welfare benefits. Landlords had to give a written statement of the variation by 14 June 2026.
- Joint contracts: people can be added or removed without ending the contract.
- Abandonment: a landlord can repossess an abandoned home without a court order only after a 4-week warning notice and proper investigations.
Fixed terms and other points
A fixed-term standard contract usually sets a minimum term, often the first six months, and the rent is normally fixed for that period. Afterwards the parties can agree a new fixed term, or the contract becomes periodic if the contract-holder stays on. Two successions are possible if the contract-holder dies, and there is a succession right for carers. Residents of supported accommodation become entitled to a supported standard contract after more than 6 months, which can be ended with 2 months’ no-fault notice. A landlord who has not complied with Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing may be barred from giving a landlord’s notice.
Deposit
An occupation-contract deposit must go into an approved scheme and the landlord has 30 days to give scheme details. A court can order the deposit returned and award compensation if it was not properly protected. See tenancy deposit protection. I did not find a deposit cap in the Welsh pages read; ask Rent Smart Wales or the Welsh Government.
What it costs
The written statement is free. The rules on fees and deposits are set by Welsh law, not English law, so do not apply the English caps in renting in England to a Welsh let without checking. Council tax in Wales is covered in council tax bands.
Which professional to consult
An independent housing adviser, or a solicitor specialising in housing law, can read the written statement and any notice. Check yourself that any adviser is regulated. A landlord letting in Wales needs Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing, and you can ask for the reference.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still have a “tenancy” in Wales?
In law you have an occupation contract. Tenants are called contract-holders.
Can my landlord end it with two months’ notice?
Not for a no-fault notice: the minimum is 6 months, and it cannot be served in the first six months.
What if I never received a written statement?
It is due within 14 days. Raise it in writing and ask an adviser about remedies.
Does the English ban on section 21 apply?
It is an English change; the Welsh regime was already different, with 6 months’ notice since 1 December 2022.
Can a landlord refuse me because I claim benefits?
Since 1 June 2026 a landlord may not prohibit a contract-holder from claiming welfare benefits.
More guides on renting
Sources
- Tenants: housing law has changed (Renting Homes) (gov.wales) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Landlords: housing law has changed (Renting Homes) (gov.wales) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Standard occupation contracts: guidance (gov.wales) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Secure occupation contracts: guidance (gov.wales) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Renting Homes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026: guidance for landlords (gov.wales) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Deposits: guidance for tenants (gov.wales) (consulted 14 October 2026)