Adding or removing someone from a rental agreement in Wales can affect rent, repairs, deposits and responsibility for the home. Whether you are a tenant who wants a partner to move in, a joint contract-holder who is leaving, or a landlord responding to a request, the change should be recorded properly. This guide explains the practical steps for Wales renters, including checking your occupation contract, getting written agreement, handling rent and deposit records, and dealing with disagreement. It also explains how the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 fits with older housing laws, what evidence to keep, and where a tenant can seek help. A change made informally may leave someone responsible for rent or prevent them from proving their rights later.
What is a joint contract-holder?
A joint contract-holder is a person named on the same occupation contract as one or more other contract-holders. Joint contract-holders normally share rights and responsibilities, including paying rent and following the contract's terms. Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, the written statement should identify the contract-holders and explain the relevant terms.[1]
Adding a person is different from allowing a guest to stay. Removing a person is also different from simply moving out: unless the correct process is followed, the departing contract-holder may remain liable for rent and other obligations.
Before asking to add or remove someone
Read the written statement and any later variation carefully. Look for terms about changes in contract-holders, notice, rent payments, deposits, guarantors, occupancy limits and permission for another person to live in the property. Check whether the home is a converted contract, a supported accommodation arrangement or another type with special rules.
- Keep a copy of the written statement, any contract variation and messages about the proposed change.
- Check who is responsible for rent, arrears, utilities, deposits and any agreed deductions.
- Confirm who will occupy the property and whether the change affects overcrowding, access or security.
- Ask the landlord or agent where to send a written request and how identity or affordability checks will be handled.
How to add a joint contract-holder
1. Make a written request
Explain who you want to add, the proposed move-in date and why the person will occupy the home. Ask the landlord or community landlord to confirm whether consent is required and what information is needed. Do not assume that paying rent or handing over keys makes the new person a contract-holder.
2. Provide reasonable information
The landlord may need information to assess the proposed contract-holder, such as identity details, references or evidence of income. Ask how personal information will be used and whether a guarantor or deposit change is proposed. A landlord should not use the process to impose unrelated terms without explaining the legal and contractual basis.
3. Obtain a written variation
If the request is agreed, ask for a written variation or replacement written statement naming every joint contract-holder. It should state the effective date and explain how rent, deposit protection, repairs, notice and other responsibilities are affected. Everyone who becomes a contract-holder should receive a copy.
4. Update practical records
Tell the council tax authority, utility providers and deposit scheme about the change where appropriate. Keep receipts and confirmation of any deposit transfer. A change to the names on bills does not by itself change the occupation contract.
How to remove a joint contract-holder
First, identify whether the person is leaving voluntarily or whether there is a dispute. Ask the landlord and all affected contract-holders to agree the departure in writing. The document should state the leaving date, how rent and arrears will be dealt with, what happens to the deposit, and whether the remaining contract-holders continue under the same terms.
- Send a dated written request or proposed variation to the landlord or agent.
- Agree the final rent contribution, any arrears, deposit repayment or transfer, and outstanding bills.
- Record the date the departing person returns keys and stops occupying the home.
- Keep the signed agreement, payment records, photographs and messages in a safe place.
Do not sign away rights or accept responsibility for another person's arrears without understanding the wording. If the landlord refuses to document an agreed change, or the other contract-holder will not cooperate, obtain advice before moving out or stopping rent payments. A person cannot normally end another person's contract simply by changing the locks or removing their belongings.
If the landlord or another contract-holder refuses
Ask for the reason in writing and check the written statement and relevant law. Keep a timeline of requests, replies, payments and events. If the disagreement concerns discrimination, harassment, unlawful eviction, repairs or safety, explain the separate problem clearly rather than presenting it only as a change-of-name request.
Wales's main residential tenancy legislation is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Older arrangements may involve the Housing Act 1988 or the Rent Act 1977, but the correct law depends on the type and age of the occupation. The Residential Property Tribunal Wales can deal with certain housing disputes, but it does not decide every disagreement about a contract-holder; check its current jurisdiction and application instructions before applying.[2]
There is no single universal government form for adding or removing a joint contract-holder. Usually, the practical document is a written request followed by a landlord-approved variation or replacement written statement. If a Residential Property Tribunal Wales application is appropriate, use the tribunal's current application route and form, provide the contract and evidence requested, and observe its deadlines and fee information.[3]
Evidence and money checks
- Keep the original and updated written statements, signed variations and identity or reference correspondence.
- Keep bank records, rent receipts, deposit documents and a calculation of any agreed final balance.
- Save dated photographs, inspection notes and messages showing the property's condition when someone joins or leaves.
- Keep copies of notices, applications and delivery confirmations if the dispute reaches a formal process.
FAQ
- Can I add my partner to an occupation contract in Wales?
- You can ask the landlord to agree a change, but your partner is not automatically a joint contract-holder because they live with you or contribute to rent. Obtain a written variation or replacement written statement naming them and stating the effective date.
- Can a joint contract-holder leave without the landlord's permission?
- Moving out does not necessarily end the person's obligations. The correct notice or withdrawal process depends on the contract and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, so get written confirmation of the effective date and any continuing rent liability.
- What can I do if the landlord refuses to change the contract?
- Ask for the reason in writing, check the contract and seek advice. Depending on the issue, contact the Residential Property Tribunal Wales or another official housing advice service, and keep evidence of every request and response.
How-To
- Read the written statement and identify the rules about changing contract-holders.
- Send a dated written request to the landlord or agent explaining the proposed addition or removal.
- Provide the requested information and keep copies of all correspondence.
- Obtain a signed variation or replacement written statement naming the correct contract-holders.
- Agree rent, arrears, deposit, bills and the effective date in writing.
- Update relevant records and retain evidence in case a dispute later arises.
Help and Support / Resources
- Welsh Government: Renting Homes Wales
- Residential Property Tribunal Wales
- GOV.UK: private renting guidance
