Roommate Moved Out? Your Rights in Shared Housing in Wales

Living in shared housing brings both community and complexity—especially if a roommate suddenly moves out. For renters in Wales, understanding your rights and obligations when sharing a house is crucial. Whether you are in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), joint tenancy, or are a lodger, the legal steps and responsibilities can vary. This guide explains what you need to do and what your options are if your roommate moves out in Wales.

Understanding Shared Housing Arrangements in Wales

Most shared rental situations in Wales fall under one of these categories:

• Joint contract-holders: All roommates are named on the same occupation contract and share legal responsibility.
• Separate contracts: Each person has their own agreement with the landlord.
• Lodgers: Living with your landlord, usually under a license agreement.
• HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation): Properties shared by three or more people who are not from one family. These must follow extra safety and housing standards.

The rules that apply will depend on which arrangement you are under. Check your occupation contract to confirm your type of agreement. For more on contract-holder types, visit Types of Tenancy and Contract in Wales.

What Happens When a Roommate Leaves?

A roommate leaving can affect everyone who lives in the property. Here’s what you should consider based on your situation:

Joint Contract-Holders

• If you and your roommates signed the same occupation contract, you are jointly responsible for the rent and all obligations.
• If one person moves out without ending the contract, the remaining contract-holders are still liable for the whole rent.
• The person leaving should formally end their liability, usually by serving notice to the landlord. If they don’t, they could remain responsible for rent and damages. This is done using a written notice.

Check the contract for the notice period required. Usually, a ‘standard contract’ requires four weeks’ notice.

Separate Contracts

• If you each have your own contract, your rent and responsibilities are separate. The roommate’s departure should not affect your agreement with the landlord.

Lodgers

• If you are a lodger in your landlord's home, different rules may apply. The landlord can decide whether to find a replacement, and your own obligations generally stay the same unless your agreement says otherwise. Learn more at Lodgers and Boarders in Wales.

Living in an HMO

• If your rented home is an HMO, landlords have extra obligations, and must ensure the property remains compliant if a tenant leaves.
• Check if new tenants moving in are approved by the landlord and follow HMO standards. More info at Houses in Multiple Occupation guidance.

Practical Steps to Take After a Roommate Leaves

• Review your contract: Check if you are jointly or separately responsible for rent and bills.
• Speak to your landlord: Notify them of the change, especially if you wish to find a replacement.
• Update council tax and utilities: If the number of adult occupants changes, you may need to update the council tax account. See council tax info.
• Arrange for a replacement roommate: Check your contract and with your landlord before subletting or bringing in a new person.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Written Notice to End a Joint Contract: There is no set government-issued form, but a clear, dated written notice must be given to the landlord. A template is provided on the Welsh Government’s ending a contract guide.
  • Example: If your roommate decides to leave, they should use this written notice to inform your landlord and officially end their part of the contract. Save a copy for your records.
• Transfer or Addition of Contract-Holder: To change who is on the contract, the landlord may require a new contract or a written agreement. Guidance is available at Varying Contracts in Wales.
• Deposit Return (if moving out): If your roommate leaves a joint contract, they should request their share of the deposit from the scheme used by your landlord. More details at the UK Government Tenancy Deposit Protection page.

What If There’s a Dispute?

If you can’t come to an agreement with your landlord, or if another contract-holder disagrees with your interpretation of the contract, you may need to seek further support or legal advice.

• Disputes over contracts in Wales may be taken to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
• Issues about deposit disputes are handled by the relevant deposit protection scheme’s resolution process.

Tenancy law in Wales is governed by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which outlines rights and obligations for renters and landlords¹.

FAQ: Roommates and Shared Housing in Wales

1. What happens to the rent if my roommate leaves?
   If your contract is joint, the remaining tenants are still responsible for paying the full rent. With separate contracts, your rent amount should not change.
2. Can I find a replacement roommate myself?
   Sometimes yes—but always get the landlord’s written consent first and ensure new occupants are added to the contract legally.
3. Does the deposit get returned when my roommate leaves?
   Deposits are protected by government schemes. For joint contracts, the whole deposit is usually repaid at the end of the contract, so you may need to arrange reimbursement amongst yourselves.
4. Will the council tax change if a roommate moves out?
   If an adult moves out, you might qualify for a single person discount or need to update the council tax bill. Check with your local council.
5. What if there’s a dispute over bills or rent?
   Try to resolve informally first, then seek support from Shelter Cymru or your local council. For unresolved legal disputes, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Cymru: Free advice, live webchat and phone support for housing issues in Wales.
• Welsh Government Housing Information: Guidance for renters and landlords in Wales.
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales: For formal disputes about your tenancy or contract.
• Tenancy Deposit Protection guidance: How to resolve disagreements when someone moves out.

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1. See Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 for full legal details of contracts, notice, and rights for renters in Wales.

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