Eviction Notice Rules for Lodgers in Wales

If you’re a lodger in Wales—meaning you rent a room in your landlord’s main home and share living spaces—you may wonder what notice your landlord must give to evict you. This article explains lodger eviction rules in Wales, whether your landlord can ask you to leave without notice, and how recent Welsh housing law affects your rights. Our aim is to help renters feel confident and informed about their housing situation.

Understanding Lodger Status in Wales

A lodger is someone who rents a room in their landlord’s own home and shares facilities such as bathrooms or kitchens with them. This is different from having an assured shorthold tenancy or living in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). In Wales, the law gives lodgers fewer protections compared to tenants with written contracts or self-contained accommodation.

• Lodgers in Wales are usually considered ‘excluded occupiers’.
• This means you don’t have the same legal rights as standard tenants.
• Your landlord does not need a court order to evict you.

Does a Landlord Have to Give Notice to Evict a Lodger?

In Wales, a landlord can generally end a lodger’s arrangement by giving reasonable notice. Reasonable notice is not defined in law but is usually as long as the lodger’s rental period (for example, if you pay weekly, a week’s notice).

• If your licence agreement (contract) specifies a notice period, your landlord must give you that amount of notice, unless both of you agree otherwise.
• If there’s no written agreement, landlords should still give reasonable notice, which is normally at least the length of the rental payment period.
• Immediate eviction without any notice is usually not allowed unless there has been serious misconduct, such as violence or criminal activity.

Official Welsh Government guidance for lodgers and licensees provides further details.

Eviction Process for Lodgers: Key Points

• Your landlord does not need a possession order from a tribunal or court to remove you if you are a lodger.
• They can usually ask you to leave after giving reasonable notice.
• If you do not leave by the end of the notice period, your landlord may change the locks—but only after the agreed notice has expired.

Remember: If you’re unsure about your status, you can use the Welsh Government's 'What type of renter are you?' tool.

Relevant Legislation for Lodgers in Wales

• The key law is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹.
• This legislation came fully into force in 2022 and sets out how landlords and contract-holders must behave—but it provides only limited protection to lodgers and other excluded occupiers.

Do Any Official Forms or Tribunals Apply?

• For most lodger arrangements, there is no official notice form required by law in Wales. Landlords can give notice in writing or verbally, although written notice is always best for clarity.
• There is also no specific tribunal or board for lodger disputes. Ordinary contract holders and tenants in Wales can contact the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for some disputes, but this does not cover most lodger eviction issues.

Example: How Notice Works for Lodgers

• If you pay rent weekly and your agreement doesn't state a notice period, your landlord should give you at least one week's notice in writing.
• If you pay monthly, you should usually be given at least one month's notice.

Action Steps if You're Asked to Leave

• Ask for a written notice with the date you’re expected to leave.
• Check your agreement for any specified notice period.
• If you think you’ve been given unreasonable notice, try to discuss this with your landlord.
• If you are concerned about harassment or illegal eviction, contact your local council.

Keep records of all communication with your landlord in case you need to seek advice or make a complaint.

1. What is the minimum notice period for a lodger in Wales?
   There is no set legal minimum, but reasonable notice (usually the length of your rent payment period) is expected unless there has been serious misconduct.
2. Can a landlord evict a lodger in Wales without going to court?
   Yes. If you’re a lodger, your landlord does not need a court order and can usually evict you after reasonable notice.
3. What can I do if my landlord asks me to leave immediately without notice?
   If you have not breached any part of your agreement or committed misconduct, you should be given reasonable notice. If not, you may contact your local council for support.
4. Are there any official forms for ending a lodger agreement?
   No formal government forms are required. Written notice is recommended for clarity, but a verbal notice is also legally valid for lodgers.
5. Who can help if I feel threatened with eviction?
   Contact Shelter Cymru, your local council, or use the advice tools on the Welsh Government Renting Homes Wales portal for guidance or emergency support.

Conclusion: Key Points for Lodgers in Wales

• Lodgers can usually only be evicted after reasonable notice—normally the same as the rent period.
• Your landlord does not need a court or tribunal order to evict you.
• If you feel unsafe or treated unfairly, contact your local council or a housing advice charity immediately.

Knowing your rights as a lodger in Wales can help you plan, communicate, or seek advice with confidence.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Guidance for Lodgers and Licensees
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales (for tenant disputes, not usually for lodgers)
• Shelter Cymru Advice Helpline
• Find your local council housing department

---

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 - official legislation

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation