How to Add a Flatmate to Your Tenancy in Wales: Rules and Steps

Many renters across Wales consider adding a flatmate to help with costs or share space. If you're wondering whether you can add a flatmate to your tenancy, it’s important to know your rights, the necessary legal steps, and the impact on your agreement. This guide explains the rules for renters in Wales, including required permissions and official processes, all in clear, everyday language.

Understanding Tenancy Types and Flatmate Arrangements in Wales

The rules for adding a flatmate depend on your type of tenancy and your landlord's permission. In Wales, most private renters are now under an 'occupation contract' following the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016^[1]. Older agreements (assured shorthold tenancies) might still exist for some renters, but most have converted.

• Joint contract-holder: Everyone on the contract is equally responsible for the tenancy.
• Sole contract-holder with lodger or subtenant: The main tenant allows another person to live in the property. Special rules apply for lodgers and subtenants.

If you’d like your flatmate to have legal rights and responsibilities, they’ll generally need to be added as a contract-holder under your occupation contract.

Do You Need Your Landlord’s Permission?

Yes. In Wales, you must get your landlord's agreement before adding someone to your tenancy or occupation contract. Your written contract (sometimes called a ‘statement of terms’) should set out what is allowed. Most landlords will require a formal process before adding a flatmate, and some may decline the request.

How to Ask to Add a Flatmate: Official Process and Forms

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 allows an existing contract-holder to ask the landlord to add another person to the contract. This is called a 'transfer' or 'adding a joint contract-holder'.

Step-by-Step: Requesting to Add a Flatmate

• Check your contract for any terms about adding joint contract-holders.
• Ask your landlord in writing for permission. There is not a standard national form yet, but the request should include:
  • Your name and address
  • The name of the person you wish to add
  • Why you wish to add them
• Your landlord should respond within a reasonable time. They must have valid reasons if refusing (see guidance).
• If the landlord agrees, a new written contract or variation will be provided, showing both names as contract-holders.

For disputes or unfair refusals, the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales handles tenancy disagreements.

Key Official Forms and Agreements

• No official form number yet: In Wales, as of 2024, no formal government-issued form is required, but your written request and your landlord's agreement must be documented.
• Occupation Contract (Model Written Statement): Once approved, the landlord may use the model statement to update/add a joint contract-holder. The official model statements are available on the Welsh Government's Renting Homes: Model Written Statements page.

What Happens After a Flatmate is Added?

All joint contract-holders become equally responsible for the rent and any tenancy obligations. If one person leaves, the contract may need to be updated again.

• Shared responsibility: All named contract-holders are liable for the property.
• Any changes should always be made by amending the occupation contract, using the Welsh Government's model written statement for clarity.

If you have concerns about your situation, you can seek advice from Shelter Cymru or contact Rent Smart Wales.

Can You Take in a Lodger?

If you wish to take in a lodger (someone renting a room in your home), different rules apply. As a contract-holder, you usually need the landlord’s written consent and must ensure your home isn’t overcrowded or in breach of HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licensing rules. For more, see Welsh Government’s HMO licensing guidance.

FAQ: Adding a Flatmate in Wales

1. Do I need my landlord’s permission to add a flatmate?
   Yes, you must have written consent from your landlord before another person can be added as a joint contract-holder or as a lodger.
2. Can my landlord refuse to add a flatmate?
   Landlords can refuse, but only for valid reasons such as not meeting suitability checks or overcrowding. Their reasons must be fair and justified under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
3. What if my landlord won’t respond to my request?
   If your landlord ignores a reasonable written request, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales for a ruling.
4. Will my rent change if I add a flatmate?
   Your rent won’t change by law just because you add a flatmate, but your landlord may choose to review the contract and rent amount. Check your agreement for details.
5. What’s the difference between a flatmate and a lodger?
   A flatmate (joint contract-holder) shares equal responsibility on the occupation contract. A lodger lives with you but isn’t part of the contract and has different rights.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• In Wales, adding a flatmate to your tenancy requires landlord approval and a contract update.
• There’s no official form, but all steps and agreements should be in writing using the Welsh Government’s model contracts for reference.
• For disputes, you can contact the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales.

Always keep documentation, follow official guidance, and seek advice if you’re unsure about your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Renting Homes Guidance
• Shelter Cymru – Free, confidential advice for renters
• Rent Smart Wales – Landlord and property registration
• Residential Property Tribunal for Wales – Disputes and applications
• Model Written Statements and Templates

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Landlord and Contract-holder Guidance – Welsh Government
3. Residential Property Tribunal for Wales
4. Model Written Statements – Welsh Government
5. HMO Licensing Guidance – Welsh Government