Long-Term Illness and Occupation Contracts in Wales

Living with a long-term illness can affect your tenancy and daily life. This guide explains how occupation contracts in Wales can interact with disability and health needs, what rights tenants have when they need reasonable adjustments, and how long-term conditions may affect rent, repairs and eviction risk. It uses plain language so renters can find practical steps to protect their home, document health-related needs, request landlord adjustments, and raise concerns with local authorities or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if required. If you are worried about discrimination, affordability or being asked to leave because of illness, this article outlines the forms, deadlines and evidence that help make a case.

Understanding occupation contracts and long-term illness

Occupation contracts and tenancy agreements set out who can live in a property and what the landlord and tenant must do. In Wales, many rules that affect possession, rent and tenant protections are set out in national legislation such as the Housing Act 1988^[1] and the Rent Act 1977^[2]. If your illness affects your ability to meet tenancy terms, you can often ask for reasonable adjustments, and you should keep clear records of medical evidence and communications with your landlord.

Reasonable adjustments and your rights

Reasonable adjustments are changes a landlord can make to help a tenant with a disability or long-term illness. Examples include agreeing to different access arrangements, allowing additional medical equipment, or changing viewing times so visits do not disrupt treatment. These are often considered under disability discrimination rules and tenancy protections. Start by explaining the adjustment you need and offering timescales.

• Submit a written request to your landlord explaining the adjustment you need, why it is necessary and the proposed timescale.
• Keep records of medical letters, GP notes, dated photos and any receipts that support your request or show risks to health.
• Contact your local authority housing team if disrepair or lack of essential services is affecting your health.

When to involve the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

If you cannot resolve a dispute with your landlord about an adjustment, rent or a possession claim, you may be able to make an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for Wales to consider the matter^[3]. Landlords who begin possession proceedings normally use court claim forms such as Form N5 (claim for possession of property) to start a court process; if you receive such a claim, act quickly, get advice and submit your evidence and any requests for adjustments as part of your response^[4].

FAQ

Can a landlord end my tenancy because of long-term illness?

It depends; landlords must follow legal eviction procedures and must not unlawfully evict or discriminate because of illness. If you believe you are being discriminated against, raise this in writing, keep records and seek help from local authorities or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

How do I ask for reasonable adjustments?

Write a clear, dated request to your landlord explaining the adjustment, attach or offer to supply supporting medical evidence, and keep copies of all correspondence.

What evidence helps my case?

Medical letters, dated photos, records of missed appointments caused by housing issues, rent receipts and communication logs showing your requests and the landlord's responses help show the impact of illness on your tenancy.

How-To

1. Gather clear evidence: collect medical letters, prescriptions, dated photos and a brief written timeline of how the illness affects your tenancy.
2. Submit a written request to your landlord outlining the reasonable adjustment you need and propose a reasonable timescale.
3. If the landlord does not respond or refuses, contact your local authority housing team or an official advice body for guidance on next steps.
4. If informal routes fail, prepare and apply for a hearing at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), bringing your evidence and written requests to the hearing.

Key Takeaways

• Keep dated records of your medical evidence and all communications with your landlord.
• Always make reasonable adjustment requests in writing and keep a copy.
• If disputes continue, you can seek a hearing at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Help and Support / Resources

• Renting privately in Wales - Welsh Government
• Rent Smart Wales - landlord registration and tenant information
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK

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1. [1] Housing Act 1988 - legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] Rent Act 1977 - legislation.gov.uk
3. [3] First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
4. [4] Form N5 - Claim for possession of property - GOV.UK