Mental Health and Your Housing Rights as a Renter in Wales

Understanding how mental health is covered by housing rights is crucial for renters in Wales. If you or someone in your household experiences mental health issues, specific legal protections may apply—especially when it comes to discrimination, evictions, and requesting adjustments from your landlord. This guide explains what laws protect renters with mental health concerns in Wales, and what steps you can take if facing challenges.

How Are Mental Health Issues Protected under Housing Law in Wales?

In Wales, renters are protected against discrimination due to mental health under the Equality Act 2010. This law makes it unlawful for landlords to treat you unfairly because of a disability—including many mental health conditions. Under Welsh housing law, people with mental health challenges also have rights to request reasonable adjustments and to access support if they are at risk of homelessness.

Key Laws and Your Rights

• Equality Act 2010: Protects renters from discrimination and mandates reasonable adjustments for disabilities, including mental health1.
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: Sets out landlord and tenant responsibilities and how agreements work in Wales2. This includes how eviction notices are issued and how vulnerable renters are treated.
• You cannot be evicted or refused a tenancy solely because of a mental health issue if it qualifies as a disability under law.

Reasonable Adjustments: What Can You Ask For?

If your mental health impacts your daily life, you may request "reasonable adjustments" to your housing. This can include changes to how a landlord communicates with you or how processes (like rent payments or repairs) are handled.

• Writing letters in accessible language
• Allowing a support worker or advocate to attend meetings
• Being flexible about rent payment dates in crisis

Tip: Landlords must consider requests for adjustments, but only "reasonable" requests are required by law. If unsure, seek advice from a local authority or advocacy group.

What If You're Facing Eviction or a Notice?

Eviction rules for renters in Wales are covered by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. If you get an eviction notice and believe it’s related to your mental health or your disability has not been fairly considered, you may have grounds to challenge it.

• Form RHW20 (Notice seeking possession): Used by landlords to seek possession. If you believe discrimination is involved, you can raise this in your response or in a tribunal hearing.
• Example: If your landlord issues a notice after you fell behind on rent during a mental health crisis, explain your circumstances in writing and request reasonable adjustments. If unresolved, contact your local authority or get advice from Rent Smart Wales.
• See the official form and guidance at Renting Homes Wales official forms.

What Is Considered a 'Disability' for Housing Rights?

Under the Equality Act 2010, a disability is a "physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities." Many mental health conditions—including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia—can qualify if their effects are significant and long-term. If uncertain, you can ask your GP or a qualified health professional for evidence.

Practical Action Steps if You Face Discrimination or Need Help

• Gather evidence of your mental health condition and how it affects you (letters from health professionals, care plans, etc.).
• Request reasonable adjustments in writing from your landlord.
• If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can make a complaint to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales, which handles tenancy and housing disputes.
• Contact your local authority homelessness prevention service if you are at risk of losing your home.

Relevant Forms for Renters with Mental Health Concerns in Wales

• Form RHW6 – Request for Flexible Tenancy Terms: Use this when asking your landlord for reasonable adjustments, such as changes to your rental agreement due to mental health needs. Download RHW6 and guidance from the official Welsh government site.
• Form RHW20 – Notice Seeking Possession: Used by landlords, but you should be aware of it if you receive notice. You can respond in writing, include information about your mental health, and seek legal advice if you think your rights have been breached.

For disputes, applications are managed by the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

FAQ: Mental Health and Renting in Wales

1. Can my landlord evict me because of my mental health?
   No. It is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010 to evict you because of a qualifying mental health disability. If you get a notice you believe is discriminatory, seek advice or challenge it through the tribunal system.
2. What counts as a reasonable adjustment?
   Any changes to policies or procedures that help you manage your tenancy. Examples include flexible rent payment schedules or communicating by your preferred method.
3. How do I report discrimination by my landlord?
   First, raise the issue with your landlord in writing. If unresolved, contact your local authority or apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
4. Where can I access official tenancy forms?
   All forms, including RHW6 and RHW20, are available from the Welsh government Renting Homes forms page.
5. Will sharing my mental health status with the landlord affect my tenancy?
   Landlords cannot refuse you housing or treat you unfairly because of a recognised mental health disability. Sharing may help you access support or adjustments.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Handles housing and discrimination disputes.
• Rent Smart Wales – Licensing and information for renters and landlords.
• Welsh Government Homelessness Support – For renters at risk of losing their home.
• Housing Advice Wales – Comprehensive information for renters, disabilities, and discrimination.
• Equality and Human Rights Commission – Upholds your rights under the Equality Act 2010.

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1. Equality Act 2010 - Legislation
2. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 - Legislation

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