Can a Landlord Force You to Sign a New Tenancy in Wales?

If you’re renting in Wales, you may wonder what happens if your landlord asks you to sign a new tenancy agreement. Landlords and tenants both have legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to tenancy types, renewals, and written contracts. This article explains your rights in plain English under the current rules in Wales, including what legislation and official bodies apply.

Understanding Tenancy Agreements in Wales

Since December 2022, most private renters in Wales are known as ‘contract-holders’ and rent under an ‘occupation contract’, as set out by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹. Your contract should clearly state your rights and terms, like rent, repair responsibilities, and how the agreement can end.

Is Signing a New Tenancy Agreement Compulsory?

Generally, your landlord cannot force you to sign a new occupation contract if your current contract is still valid. However, there are a few situations where you may be asked to sign a new agreement:

• End of a fixed-term: When your current fixed-term contract ends, your landlord may offer you a new fixed-term contract or let it continue as a ‘periodic’ contract (rolling from week to week or month to month).
• Changing contract holders: If someone moves in or out, or there’s a change in your household, your landlord may prepare a new contract reflecting the new people living there.
• Changes to legal requirements: If the law changes, landlords may need to update the agreement, but you must be given proper notice.

Unless you agree, a landlord cannot force you to sign a less favourable contract or use threats of eviction if your existing contract remains in force and you are meeting your responsibilities. If you refuse, your contract may simply continue as a periodic (rolling) contract, with the same key terms.

Your Rights Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

This law sets clear rules about when and how landlords can change your contract or end your tenancy.

• Landlords must provide at least six months’ notice to end a periodic standard contract without grounds (and must use the correct notice form).
• They cannot evict you simply for refusing to sign a new contract, unless they follow the proper legal processes.
• All agreements must comply with the minimum right standards set by law; a new contract cannot take away any rights given by the Act.

For the official text, see the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹.

Official Forms: What Should You Receive?

• Written Statement of Occupation Contract
  Landlords must provide you with a written statement of your occupation contract within 14 days of your moving in. This sets out your rights and obligations. If you have not received this, ask your landlord in writing, or contact Rent Smart Wales for advice. See more at the Welsh Government’s Renting Homes guidance.
• Section 173 Notice (Ending a Periodic Standard Contract)
  If your landlord wishes to end your contract (sometimes instead of offering a renewal), they must give a Section 173 notice with at least six months’ notice. You can verify its validity and read about it on the Welsh Government site.

Example: If your landlord gives you a Section 173 notice as you refuse a new agreement, check that the notice meets all legal requirements before acting.

Tip: Never feel pressured into signing a new contract before reading and fully understanding it. Take time to review and seek free advice if unsure.

Action Steps if You’re Asked to Sign a New Contract

• Review your current occupation contract and check its end date and terms.
• Ask the landlord to put any proposed changes in writing.
• Seek advice if you feel the new contract is unfair or removes your rights.
• If you believe you’re being unlawfully pressured or threatened, keep evidence and consider contacting Rent Smart Wales, Shelter Cymru, or your local council.
• If formal legal action is taken (like a Section 173 notice), you may be able to challenge it at the independent tribunal (see below).

If there’s an unresolved dispute, the official tribunal for renting disputes in Wales is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales².

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord evict me if I don’t sign the new contract?
   They cannot evict you immediately or solely for this reason. They must follow the legal process and cannot act outside the rights set out by law.
2. What happens if I stay after my fixed-term contract ends but don’t sign a new one?
   Your contract usually becomes a periodic standard contract with similar terms. You keep your rights under the original agreement and the law.
3. Do I have to accept changes in the rent or other terms?
   You do not have to accept unfair changes. If you refuse and the landlord serves notice to end your contract, you may be able to challenge it, especially if it’s retaliatory.
4. Who can I contact if I’m being pressured to sign?
   Contact Rent Smart Wales, Shelter Cymru, or your local council for advice and support.
5. What official body can resolve tenancy disputes in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales can decide on many disputes between landlords and contract-holders.

Key Takeaways

• Your landlord cannot force you to sign a new tenancy contract in Wales while your current one is valid.
• All changes or new agreements must comply with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
• You have strong rights against unfair pressure or unlawful eviction. Always get advice before signing anything new.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Rent Smart Wales – Landlord and tenant services, registration, and advice
• Welsh Government Tenant Support – Information for renters facing difficulties
• Shelter Cymru – Free and independent housing advice for tenants
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Hearings and dispute resolution for renting issues

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: Sets out rules and rights for renting homes in Wales.
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales: Handles disputes and appeals for Welsh renters and landlords.

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