RHW1 – Notice of Standard Contract

If you rent in Wales and have received an RHW1 notice of standard contract, this page explains what it means for you as a tenant, what steps you can take and which official forms and bodies are involved. The information below uses plain language so you can check deadlines, gather documents and decide whether to respond, negotiate or apply to the tribunal. It covers typical reasons a landlord might use a standard-contract notice, what a valid notice must include, and realistic examples of how tenants have replied. If you are unsure, follow the steps here and contact the official Welsh services listed in Help and Support for free guidance.

What the RHW1 notice is and when it applies

An RHW1 notice of standard contract is used by a landlord to confirm the terms of a tenancy or to propose changes that affect your occupancy. A valid notice must set out clear dates, the contractual change or expiry and the deadline for your response. Relevant primary legislation includes the Housing Act 1988 which governs many assured tenancies in England and Wales; see the official text for detail and definitions in context Housing Act 1988^[1].

Key items to check on an RHW1

• Does the notice include the landlord's name and contact details and the exact change being proposed?
• Is there a clear date by which you must respond or vacate?
• Does the notice propose a rent increase, and does it follow any contractual or statutory rules?
• Are repair or maintenance obligations being changed in a way that affects your safety or habitability?

Official forms and when to use them

Below are the main official forms and documents tenants and landlords commonly use when dealing with tenancy notices in Wales. Use the linked official pages to download current versions and follow filing instructions.

• RHW1 — Notice of Standard Contract: the form or written notice your landlord serves to confirm contract terms or propose changes. Use it when your landlord notifies you of contractual changes or a fixed-term ending; for example, if the landlord proposes a new rent from the next renewal date you would receive RHW1 wording explaining the change and your deadline to accept or challenge.
• Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — use this if you cannot resolve a dispute about the notice and need a tribunal to decide on possession, rent or contract terms. The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) handles residential disputes in England and Wales and provides guidance and application forms online First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)^[3].
• Relevant legislation references — when checking legal rights, tenants should look at the core Acts that apply to assured and regulated tenancies, including the Rent Act 1977 for certain older regulated tenancies Rent Act 1977^[2].

How to respond to an RHW1 notice

If you receive an RHW1 notice, follow these practical steps to protect your rights and prepare evidence.

• Read the notice carefully and check the deadline for response or any date to vacate.
• Gather documents: your tenancy agreement, recent rent receipts or bank statements, photographs of any disrepair and copies of any communication with the landlord.
• Try to resolve informally: write to the landlord explaining your position and propose mediation if appropriate.
• If you cannot agree, prepare an application to the First-tier Tribunal and include your evidence and the RHW1 notice.

FAQ

Can my landlord give me an RHW1 notice to increase rent immediately?

A landlord must follow the terms of your contract and any statutory procedures for rent increases; an immediate increase without notice or agreement is usually invalid and you can challenge it.

What if the RHW1 notice has incorrect dates or lacks details?

If essential information is missing the notice may be defective; keep a copy and ask the landlord to reissue a correct notice in writing, and seek advice if they insist.

Do I have to move out if I receive an RHW1?

Not automatically; only a valid possession order or agreement forces you to leave. You can respond, negotiate or apply to the tribunal to contest the notice.

How-To

1. Confirm the date you received the RHW1 and note any deadlines stated in the notice.
2. Collect your tenancy agreement, rent records and any photos or messages that relate to the issue.
3. Write to your landlord setting out your response, keep a dated copy, and ask for clarification if needed.
4. If you cannot agree, complete the tribunal application and submit your evidence, following the First-tier Tribunal guidance.

Key Takeaways

• Always read any RHW1 carefully and check the response deadline.
• Keep copies of all documents and communications related to the notice.
• The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can decide disputes if you cannot resolve them with your landlord.

Help and Support

• Rent Smart Wales — official landlord and tenant resources
• Welsh Government — guidance for private rented sector

1. [1] Housing Act 1988
2. [2] Rent Act 1977
3. [3] First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — GOV.UK