Do Tenancy Agreements Automatically Renew in Wales?

Renters in Wales often wonder what happens when their fixed-term tenancy agreement ends. Do they have to sign a new contract, or does their tenancy simply continue? Understanding how tenancy agreements work in Wales—and whether they auto-renew—is essential to safeguarding your renting rights and planning your future home arrangements.

What Happens When a Fixed-Term Tenancy Ends in Wales?

In Wales, most renters now hold what is called an Occupation Contract, which replaced many traditional tenancy agreements from 1 December 2022 under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹. If you signed a contract after this date or your tenancy converted, the rules below likely apply.

Does My Tenancy Automatically Renew?

Your tenancy does not auto-renew with a new fixed term unless both you and your landlord specifically agree to it in writing. Here is what usually happens instead:

• Automatic shift to periodic contract: If you stay in the property after your fixed term ends and don't sign a new contract, your agreement will usually convert to a periodic (rolling) occupation contract. This means it continues on a monthly or weekly basis, according to how often you pay rent.
• No need to sign a new contract: You’re not legally required to sign a new fixed-term contract when your original one ends, unless both parties want to.

This process is designed to protect renters from suddenly losing their home if their contract ends and provides flexibility for both parties.

Understanding Periodic Contracts

A periodic occupation contract is a rolling agreement—so you continue as a tenant with mostly the same terms as your previous fixed term. Your rights and responsibilities remain, but the notice periods for leaving may change. Your landlord still has to follow the law if they want you to leave or if they want to change your rent.

Notice Periods and Ending Your Contract

Whether you’re on a fixed-term or periodic contract, notice periods are crucial. Here’s what you need to know:

• For renters: Most renters on periodic contracts need to give at least 4 weeks’ notice in writing if they want to move out, unless your contract says otherwise.
• For landlords: Landlords must generally give at least 6 months’ notice when asking tenants on a standard contract to leave, unless there are certain grounds (like serious rent arrears or anti-social behaviour).

Full details on notice periods can be found on the official Ending an occupation contract: guidance page by the Welsh Government.

Relevant Official Forms for Welsh Renters

If there are disagreements or notices served, specific official forms may be used. Here are important forms and examples of when a renter might use them:

• RHW17 – Application to the Residential Property Tribunal (Rent Assessment):
  Use this form if you believe your rent increase is excessive or unfair. For example, if you get a notice of rent increase and you wish to challenge it, complete and submit RHW17 within one month of receiving the notice.
• Notice to end an occupation contract:
  While there is no single mandatory form for tenants giving notice, it must be in writing. The Welsh Government’s model contract includes templates for ending contracts.

You can access all relevant forms and model contracts via the Renting Homes Wales government hub.

Who Handles Disputes?

In Wales, if there is a dispute about your contract status—such as whether your agreement has become periodic or about the lawfulness of your landlord’s notice—you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales. This independent body decides on housing-related cases, including rent assessment and possession claims.

If you’re unsure about your contract status or your rights after your fixed term ends, get specialist advice or consult the Welsh Government’s official guidance pages.

FAQs About Tenancy Agreement Renewal in Wales

1. Do I need to sign a new tenancy agreement when my fixed term ends?
   No, you don’t need to sign a new agreement if both you and your landlord are happy to let the tenancy roll into a periodic contract. The tenancy simply continues with the same main terms, unless the landlord or tenant requests a new one.
2. What is a periodic occupation contract?
   A periodic occupation contract is a rolling agreement (usually month-to-month) that starts automatically if you stay beyond the end of a fixed-term occupation contract without a new fixed-term being agreed. Your rights remain protected under the law.
3. How much notice does my landlord have to give to end my occupation contract?
   For standard contracts, your landlord usually must give you six months' written notice, unless there are serious grounds (such as antisocial behaviour or rent arrears) which can reduce the notice period.
4. Can my rent be increased automatically when my contract becomes periodic?
   Your landlord can increase the rent, but only by serving you a written notice and following the correct legal procedure. You have the right to challenge a rent increase via the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales using the RHW17 form.
5. Where do I go if I have a dispute about my tenancy continuation?
   You can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales, which handles housing contract disputes, rent assessments, and possession cases.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

• Renting Homes Wales – Official Government Information
• Residential Property Tribunal for Wales – For rent disputes and possession claims
• Shelter Cymru – Free housing advice and support
• Ending Your Occupation Contract – Guidance

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Residential Property Tribunal for Wales
3. Renting Homes Wales: Guidance & Official Forms
4. Ending Your Occupation Contract – Welsh Government Guidance

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