Does Eviction Impact Your Credit Score in Wales?

If you're renting a home in Wales and worried about eviction, you may wonder whether an eviction will impact your credit score or financial records. Understanding how eviction and credit reporting work is important for protecting your future renting and financial opportunities. This article explains what happens in Wales if you're evicted and how your credit could be affected, using official legal sources and plain language.

How Eviction Works in Wales

In Wales, the process and legal notices for eviction depend on the type of tenancy you have. Since December 2022, most new tenancies are ‘occupation contracts’ under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹. Your landlord must follow the correct process and serve valid notice before seeking repossession.

• Notice requirements: Landlords must serve the appropriate written notice, such as a ‘Section 173 notice’ for “no fault” evictions or a ‘Section 186 notice’ for breaches of contract (such as rent arrears). Visit this Welsh Government guidance on eviction notices for details.
• Court proceedings: If you do not leave by the date on the notice, your landlord can apply to court for a possession order and, if necessary, a warrant of eviction.
• Official forms: For landlords, the main court form is Form N5B Wales – Claim for Possession (Accelerated Procedure). This is used when seeking possession without a court hearing, often after a Section 173 notice. Tenants are entitled to respond to the court with their own written statement if they wish to contest the claim.

Does an Eviction Show on Your Credit File?

Simply receiving an eviction notice or being evicted by your landlord does not appear directly on your credit report in Wales. Credit reference agencies do not record tenancy eviction notices or the fact of being evicted itself.

However, certain parts of the legal process—such as a money judgment—can affect your credit standing:

• If your landlord successfully claims for unpaid rent and obtains a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you, this will be entered on the public register and will show on your credit file. CCJs usually remain on your credit record for six years unless paid within one month.
• The eviction court order itself (i.e., instructions to leave the property) does not go onto your credit report.
• Any arrears recorded by your landlord with a rent database or tenancy referencing agency may affect future rental applications but not your mainstream credit file.

In short, eviction affects your credit only if the process results in a court debt judgment or similar financial action.

Key Official Forms and How They Affect Renters

• Notice Seeking Possession (Section 173 or 186 Notice)
  This is given to you by the landlord to begin the process. It does not impact your credit score.
• Form N5B Wales – Claim for Possession (Accelerated Procedure):
  Used by landlords to request a possession order through the court (without a hearing). If you receive court papers, you can respond in writing to explain your situation or raise a defence. Served forms are sent to the tenant’s address. See the official guidance for defendants in Wales.
• County Court Judgment (CCJ) Registration:
  If the landlord sues you for rent arrears and wins, you may receive a CCJ, which is recorded against your credit record. You generally receive written notification from the court, with information on how to respond or settle.

If you are concerned about a court claim or a judgment, it's always advisable to seek support as early as possible. The official tribunal for housing matters in Wales is the County Court, which decides tenancy possession claims.

Can a Landlord Report Eviction Directly to Credit Agencies?

No, landlords cannot directly report an eviction to credit reference agencies in the UK. Only financial court judgments and certain debts may appear on your credit file. However, landlords and letting agents typically use private databases or referencing services to share information about past arrears or problem tenancies.

What Protects Tenants in Wales?

In Wales, your rights are governed by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹. This law sets strict rules for eviction, notice, and landlords' obligations. To evict you legally, landlords must serve the correct notice, apply to court if necessary, and follow due process so renters can respond or seek advice.

Action Steps if Facing Eviction or Court Action

• Read all correspondence -- Court papers and official notices are time-sensitive.
• Contact advice services quickly for guidance on responding.
• Respond in writing to the court if you want to defend yourself or explain your situation.
• If you repay arrears or settle debts within one month of receiving a CCJ, the judgment is removed from your credit file.
• Request written proof from the court or landlord if debts are paid or resolved.

Understanding what appears on your credit file, and what does not, can help you plan your next steps with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will simply being evicted hurt my credit score?
   No. Eviction itself isn’t added to your credit file. Only unpaid rent resulting in a court judgment (CCJ) will affect your credit.
2. What should I do if I receive a court claim or notice?
   Read the papers fully, respond by the stated deadline, and seek free advice as soon as possible from a housing service. Ignoring the court claim can result in a judgment by default.
3. How long does a County Court Judgment (CCJ) stay on my credit file?
   Six years, unless you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment date.
4. Can a landlord tell future landlords about my eviction?
   Landlords can share information with letting agents or tenant referencing companies, which may impact your ability to rent with some private landlords in future.
5. What tribunal or authority handles eviction disputes in Wales?
   The County Court handles eviction and repossession cases in Wales.

Key Takeaways

• Receiving an eviction notice alone does not appear on your credit file.
• Only court judgments about unpaid rent (CCJs) are reported to credit agencies in Wales.
• Early advice can help protect your rights and credit if facing eviction proceedings.

Being informed about how eviction interacts with your credit record can help you take the right steps if you’re ever at risk.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Cymru – Free specialist housing advice for renters in Wales
• Welsh Government: Tenant Rights
• County Court (Official Tribunal) – How to respond to eviction proceedings
• MoneyHelper – Official financial/debt advice

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (legislation.gov.uk)

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