Pregnancy and Eviction Laws: Protections for Renters in Wales

Facing eviction when pregnant can be stressful and confusing. If you’re renting in Wales, it's important to understand your rights, how the law protects you from discrimination, and what to do if you feel you're being treated unfairly because of your pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Eviction: What Does the Law Say in Wales?

In Wales, it is illegal for landlords to evict or treat tenants unfairly because they are pregnant, have recently had a baby, or are on maternity leave. The key laws are the Equality Act 2010, which lists pregnancy and maternity as protected characteristics, and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which sets out landlord and tenant rights in Wales.¹ If a landlord evicts you purely because you are pregnant, this is considered discrimination.

What Types of Eviction Are There?

Most renters in Wales have either a "standard contract" (private renters) or "secure contract" (council/housing association renters) under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Eviction must always follow formal legal process, and valid reasons must be given. Common types include:

• No-fault eviction (using a Section 173 Notice) – not allowed for discriminatory reasons.
• Eviction for breach of contract (e.g. rent arrears or anti-social behaviour).

Evicting you only due to pregnancy is not a valid reason and likely unlawful.

Your Rights: Protection from Discrimination

Under the Equality Act 2010, you can’t legally be treated less favourably because you’re pregnant or on maternity leave. This covers:

• Eviction notices based solely on pregnancy.
• Refusal to renew your tenancy or contract for pregnancy-related reasons.
• Harassment or less favourable terms following pregnancy disclosure.

You have the right to challenge discrimination and seek help if this occurs.

Official Processes and Forms

If you receive a notice of eviction or believe you are being discriminated against, there are official steps and forms you can use:

• Section 173 Notice (No-Fault Eviction)
  Section 173 notice form (Welsh Government)
  When and how used: Landlords must give this written notice to end a standard occupation contract (with proper notice period). If you believe this is being used as a pretext for discrimination (e.g., eviction only after you reveal a pregnancy), keep records and seek advice.
• Application to Residential Property Tribunal Wales
  Residential Property Tribunal Wales forms
  When and how used: If you want to challenge the validity of your eviction notice or claim discrimination, you may submit a complaint or application form to the Tribunal for review and a possible hearing.
• Discrimination Complaint
  While there isn’t a single form for discrimination in housing, you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) or take your landlord to county court for a discrimination claim.

Tribunal for Welsh Renters

Disputes concerning Welsh residential tenancies (including discrimination issues) are handled by the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.² The Tribunal can review unlawful eviction claims, rule on housing notices, and address discrimination allegations.

If You Think You're Facing a Pregnancy-Related Eviction

Here are actions steps you can take if this happens:

• Check all paperwork for correct legal process. Make sure any notice is official (such as a Section 173 Notice) and given with proper notice period.
• Gather written evidence (emails, letters, messages) showing your pregnancy and any responses from your landlord.
• Contact Shelter Cymru or your local council for guidance.
• If you wish to challenge the notice, submit an application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
• Consider lodging a discrimination complaint under the Equality Act.

It’s important to act quickly and seek support—the sooner you act, the more options are open to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord evict me because I am pregnant?
   No, it is illegal to evict a tenant in Wales just because they are pregnant. This is considered discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
2. What should I do if I get an eviction notice after telling my landlord I’m pregnant?
   Gather evidence (e.g., texts, emails), contact a support service like Shelter Cymru, and consider contacting the Residential Property Tribunal Wales to challenge the eviction.
3. Which tribunal handles eviction disputes in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales deals with disputes about eviction and unlawful discrimination for renters in Wales. Their official website has more details and application forms.
4. What law protects me from pregnancy discrimination as a tenant?
   The Equality Act 2010 forbids discrimination based on pregnancy or maternity in housing, including evictions.
5. Are there official forms to challenge a discriminatory eviction?
   There is no single "anti-discrimination form", but you can challenge eviction using Tribunal application forms or make a complaint via the Equality Advisory and Support Service.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Evicting a tenant solely because of pregnancy is not legal in Wales.
• The Equality Act 2010 protects you from pregnancy and maternity discrimination as a renter.
• If you receive an eviction notice after revealing your pregnancy, get advice and consider Tribunal action quickly.

In summary: know your tenancy rights, act promptly, and use official help if you feel discriminated against due to pregnancy or maternity.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Cymru: Free housing advice and support in Wales
• GOV.UK: Eviction Guidance for Private Renters: Government guide on eviction processes
• Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS): Support on discrimination and equality law
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales: For Welsh tenancy disputes and unlawful eviction complaints
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — Full Text

1. Equality Act 2010 (official legislation)
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales (official site)