Model Written Statement – Secure Contract

Living in rented housing in Wales means having clear written terms helps protect both tenants and landlords. A model written statement sets out the main terms of a secure contract — rent, deposit arrangements, repair responsibilities, notice periods and how disputes are handled. This article explains what a model written statement usually contains, when you should ask for one, and what to do if the landlord doesn’t provide it. It also covers the forms and tribunal routes tenants can use in Wales, giving practical examples and step-by-step actions you can take. Guidance here is plain-language and tailored for tenants so you can spot missing terms and act promptly to protect your rights.

What a model written statement is and why it matters

A model written statement is a clear, written summary of the most important terms of your tenancy or secure contract. It should make it easy to check who is responsible for repairs, how much rent is payable, how deposits are protected, and how much notice is needed to end the tenancy. When statutory rights or landlord obligations are mentioned, they often draw on primary legislation such as the Housing Act 1988 (text)^[1] and the Rent Act 1977 for older protected tenancies^[2].

Key terms to expect in a secure contract

• Amount of rent, payment dates and any permitted increases.
• Deposit amount, where it is held and the scheme details.
• Who is responsible for repairs and how to report problems.
• Notice periods and how to serve notices to end the tenancy.
• Any shared responsibilities or rules for joint tenants.

If anything in the written statement conflicts with mandatory legal rights, the law overrides the contract. For general guidance on how tribunals decide disputes about tenancy terms, tenants can contact the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (Property Chamber)^[3].

Official forms you might use (what they are and when to use them)

Below are common official forms and pages tenants may need in disputes or possession matters, with examples of when you might use each.

• Housing Act 1988 (legislation) — not a form but the principal legislation governing many assured tenancies; useful when checking statutory tenant protections and how certain notices are treated ^[1].
• Form N5 — Claim for possession — used by a landlord to start a court possession claim. Example: if a landlord has followed the correct notice procedure and seeks possession for rent arrears, they may file N5; a tenant would then receive court papers and can use the response pack to defend the claim ^[4].
• Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — tribunal applications cover some residential disputes in place of court processes. Example: if there is an unresolved dispute about repairs or a disputed deposit deduction, a tenant may apply to the Property Chamber for a decision ^[3].

Practical steps if your landlord won’t give a written statement

• Ask in writing for a copy of the tenancy terms and keep a dated copy of your request.
• If you cannot resolve the issue, seek free advice from an official Wales housing service (see Help and Support below).
• Gather evidence: bank statements for rent payments, photos of disrepair and any messages about repairs or notices.
• Consider making an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) where the tribunal has jurisdiction for your matter ^[3].

FAQ

Does my landlord have to give a written statement in Wales?

There is no single labelled "model written statement" required in all cases, but landlords must not override statutory tenant rights and providing clear written terms is best practice. If you believe rights are being ignored, seek formal advice and note the governing legislation such as the Housing Act 1988 and, for older protected tenancies, the Rent Act 1977 ^[1][2].

What if the landlord gives different verbal terms than the written statement?

Written terms generally take precedence over verbal agreements where recorded; keep copies and consider raising the contradiction in writing and, if needed, ask the tribunal to resolve the difference.

Can I use a written statement as evidence in a tribunal or court?

Yes — a clear written statement, together with payment records and repair reports, is useful evidence when applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or defending a possession claim ^[3].

How-To

1. Request the landlord provides the written statement in writing and keep a dated copy of your request.
2. Collect supporting evidence: receipts, photos, emails and any text messages about repairs or rent agreed.
3. Seek official advice from a Wales government housing service if the landlord refuses or the issue is urgent.
4. If necessary, make an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or respond to a possession claim using the correct court forms and guidance ^[3][4].

Key Takeaways

• Keep clear written records of all tenancy terms and payments.
• Report repairs in writing and keep evidence if problems continue.

Help and Support

• Rent Smart Wales — official tenant guidance and landlord registration
• Welsh Government — Renting someone else’s property in Wales

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