New Renting Laws in Wales: What Renters Need to Know

Renters across Wales have recently experienced major updates to the law, designed to make renting safer and more secure. If you rent your home in Wales, it is important to know how new rules—especially the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016—affect your rights around eviction, rent increases, property repairs, and communication with your landlord. This article breaks down the key changes in plain English and explains what practical steps you can take to protect yourself as a renter.

Key Changes Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

The main housing law in Wales now is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which modernises how renting works. The Act replaced most previous tenancy agreements with two types of contracts:

• Standard Occupation Contracts: These usually cover private renters
• Secure Occupation Contracts: For community landlords, like local councils or housing associations

Both contracts give renters clearer written rights and responsibilities. All landlords must provide a written contract (in most cases) outlining your terms within 14 days of moving in.

Notice Periods for Eviction Have Changed

Landlords must now give at least six months’ notice (using the appropriate form) if they wish to end a ‘no fault’ contract (formerly ‘no fault’ eviction under Section 21 in England). This applies to most Standard Occupation Contracts unless you have broken the contract terms.

• Immediate action is only allowed for serious breaches like anti-social behaviour.
• For rent arrears over two months, landlords can use a shorter notice, but must follow legal procedure.

Form RHW16: Notice From Landlord Ending a Periodic Standard Contract

If you receive the Form RHW16, it means your landlord is giving you notice to end a periodic standard contract. You can view the latest version and detailed instructions on the Welsh Government site.

• When used: Landlord must give six months’ notice unless you have breached the contract.
• Example: If your landlord wants you to leave for reasons not related to your actions, they must use RHW16 and give you proper notice.

How to Challenge an Eviction or Notice

If you believe you were given notice unfairly, you can apply to the County Court, which handles housing disputes and evictions in Wales. You should seek legal advice or contact a free advice service before submitting a defence.

Rent Increases: Your Rights

Landlords can only raise your rent once per year on a periodic contract, and must give at least one month’s written notice using Form RHW12 (Notice of Variation of Contract Terms). Check the official form here.

• How to use: If you receive RHW12, read it carefully. If you believe the increase is excessive or incorrect, you can challenge it by applying to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for a determination.
• Example: Your landlord issues RHW12 in June for a rent increase in July. If this is less than a month’s notice, or the increase is unfair, you may appeal.

Repairs and Home Safety Standards

Landlords must keep your home in good repair, ensuring it is fit to live in at all times. Under the new law, they are responsible for:

• Maintaining structure, pipes, heating, and electrics
• Ensuring all alarms (smoke, carbon monoxide) and electrical safety checks are up-to-date

Check the full legal requirements for repairs and safety in the official repairs and maintenance guidance.

How to Make a Complaint or Take Action

If you have a problem that is not resolved after talking to your landlord, you can:

• Contact your local council’s Private Sector Housing service for support
• Apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for disputes about rent or contract terms
• Use official forms such as RHW12 (rent increases) or RHW16 (notices) as evidence when making complaints

Always keep copies of all written communications and forms. Document repairs, problems, and responses as they happen. Support is available for those unsure how to take the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice must my landlord give if they want me to leave?
   For most renters with a standard occupation contract, your landlord must give at least six months' written notice, unless you have breached the contract.
2. Can my landlord raise my rent at any time?
   No. Rent can only be increased once per year with at least one month's notice using Form RHW12.
3. What do I do if my landlord refuses to carry out repairs?
   You should report the problem in writing. If there’s no response, contact your local council or seek advice from Shelter Cymru or Citizens Advice.
4. What is the difference between a ‘tenancy’ and an ‘occupation contract’?
   In Wales, most tenancies are now called ‘occupation contracts’ under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. They give renters clearer rights and responsibilities.
5. Who can help me challenge a rent increase or eviction?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales can handle rent disputes, and your local County Court deals with eviction matters. Free advice is available from Shelter Cymru.

Key Takeaways for Renters in Wales

• New renting laws protect your rights through occupation contracts and clear notice periods
• Rent increases and evictions must follow formal procedures and use official forms
• If issues arise, use written communications and official bodies like the Residential Property Tribunal for support

Staying informed helps you respond confidently and ensures your home remains safe and secure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Renting Homes Guidance
• Shelter Cymru – Free Advice for Renters
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales: Dispute resolution for rent and contract issues
• Citizens Advice Wales – Housing Help
• Contact your local council’s Housing or Environmental Health team for urgent repair issues

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 guidance
2. Form RHW16: Notice from landlord to end periodic standard contract
3. Form RHW12: Notice of variation of contract terms
4. Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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