Can My Landlord Raise the Rent for Just One Room in Wales?

Navigating rent increases in shared accommodation can feel confusing, especially if your landlord suggests raising the rent for just one room. If you live in Wales in a house of multiple occupation (HMO) or as a lodger, it’s important to understand your rights, your landlord’s obligations, and what options are available to you.

Understanding Rent Increases in Shared Housing and HMOs

In Wales, rules about rent increases depend on your tenancy type, the agreement you signed, and the nature of your accommodation (such as HMOs or lodgings). This section explains your landlord's legal obligations and your protections as a renter.

Types of Tenancies in Shared Housing

Since 1 December 2022, most renters in Wales have a ‘standard contract’ under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. In shared housing, your contract might be:

• Joint contract: Everyone shares responsibility for the tenancy, and changes affect all equally.
• Individual contract: Each renter has a contract for their own room and shared spaces. Terms (including rent) may differ between rooms.
• Lodger agreement: If you share living space with your landlord, different rules will apply.

Can a Landlord Increase Rent for Just One Room?

Whether a landlord can raise the rent for only one room in shared housing in Wales depends on your contract:

• Joint Contract: The landlord can only increase rent for the whole group. They cannot target a single occupant’s payment unless everyone agrees and signs a new contract.
• Individual Contract: The landlord may set different rents for each room and can usually serve a rent increase notice to only one contract-holder.
• Lodger Agreement: If you are a lodger, your landlord can raise the rent as per your agreement, but must give "reasonable notice" (usually one rental period).

For renters with a periodic standard contract, your landlord can propose a rent increase using the official form and must give at least two months’ written notice.

How Must a Rent Increase Be Served in Wales?

Landlords in Wales must use a prescribed form for increasing the rent on a periodic standard occupation contract:

• Form RHW12 (Notice of Variation of Rent): This is the official notice a landlord must use. It must include the proposed new rent, the date it takes effect, and be served at least two months before the proposed increase.

Find the official form on the Welsh Government's Renting Homes forms page.

For example, if you have an individual standard contract, your landlord can serve the RHW12 just to you, not to your housemates.

What Can I Do If I Think the Increase Is Unfair?

If you think a rent increase is unfair, Welsh law gives you the right to challenge it. You may be able to:

• Negotiate with your landlord. Ask for reasons and provide evidence if you think the increase is unjustified.
• Apply to the Residential Property Tribunal (Wales): If agreement can’t be reached, you may apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales within one month of receiving an RHW12 notice. The Tribunal can decide if the increase is reasonable.

Action Steps if You Receive a Rent Increase for Only One Room

• Check your contract: Is it individual or joint?
• Ensure the landlord used RHW12 (for periodic standard contracts) and gave at least two months’ notice.
• Consider discussing the matter with your landlord first.
• If needed, apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales.

For further details, you can read the relevant legislation in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: Section 104 (Variation of rent under periodic standard contract).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord raise rent for one room only in an HMO in Wales?
   If you have an individual contract for your room, yes – the landlord can raise your rent separately using the official notice. If you’re on a joint contract, the increase must apply to all tenants.
2. What notice must my landlord give for a rent rise?
   For periodic standard contracts, at least two months’ written notice using Form RHW12 is required. Lodgers generally get "reasonable notice" (usually one rental period).
3. How do I challenge a rent increase in Wales?
   You must apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales within one month of the proposed increase date, after receiving Form RHW12. The tribunal will then review your case and decide if the new rent is fair.
4. Where can I find the rent increase notice form?
   Form RHW12 can be downloaded from the Welsh Government's Renting Homes forms page.
5. Does this apply to all types of renters in shared housing?
   These rules apply to standard occupation contracts (including in HMOs). Lodgers have different rights and should check their agreement.

Key Takeaways

• Your rights depend on your contract type: joint or individual.
• Landlords must use Form RHW12 for standard contracts and give two months' notice of any rent increase.
• You can challenge the increase through the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales.

If you’re unsure about your tenancy rights or need help with a rent increase issue, there are trusted sources of support available throughout Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Housing Advice
• Shelter Cymru: Free Advice for Renters
• Residential Property Tribunal for Wales – for disputes about rent increases or contract issues
• Contact your local council housing department for further support

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Welsh Government: Renting Homes – Guidance and Forms for Landlords
3. Residential Property Tribunal for Wales

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