Being told you may have to leave your home is stressful. If you rent in Wales and have been given a Section 173 notice, this page explains what that notice can mean for tenants and renters, the laws that apply, and practical actions you can take right away. It uses plain language to describe deadlines, the official routes landlords must follow, the forms you may see, and examples of how to gather evidence and respond. Aim to check dates, keep copies of communications and rent records, and contact the appropriate authority promptly so you do not miss critical deadlines or lose legal options.
What is a Section 173 notice?
A Section 173 notice is a legal notice relating to possession and notice procedures under historic housing legislation and recent Welsh reforms. In Wales, many tenancy and eviction rules are governed by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 which changed how occupation contracts and possession work for most renters in Wales[1]. The Housing Act 1988 and Rent Act 1977 are the older UK statutes that still appear in some cases and legal references for tenancies created earlier or where transitional rules apply[2].
Key official body
The main tribunal handling residential tenancy disputes for England and Wales is the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Tenants in Wales can apply to or contact this tribunal about possession disputes, extensions or other tenancy issues when informal resolution is not possible[3].
Forms tenants should know
- Possession claim form (N5) — used by a landlord or their agent to start court proceedings for possession. Example: if you receive a Section 173 notice and the landlord files for a court order, you may see an N5; respond promptly and keep copies of your rent receipts and tenancy agreement to defend your position. See the official court forms for details.
What to do if you receive a Section 173 notice
- Check the notice date and any deadline for leaving or responding; missing a deadline can limit your options.
- Gather evidence: tenancy agreement, rent records, photos, messages and any repairs requests or replies.
- Contact the landlord in writing to clarify the notice and keep a clear record of all exchanges.
- If you cannot resolve it informally, contact the First-tier Tribunal or seek legal advice about contesting any possession claim.
FAQ
- Can a landlord evict me immediately after a Section 173 notice?
- No. A notice only starts a legal process; a landlord normally needs a court or tribunal order to lawfully evict you unless you agree to leave.
- Do I have to accept a no-fault notice in Wales?
- No. You may have rights to challenge the notice or raise procedural errors, especially where Welsh tenancy protections apply.
- Will I lose my deposit if I challenge the notice?
- Challenging a notice does not automatically mean you lose your deposit; protect it by ensuring it is in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme and keep records of the property condition.
How-To
- Read the notice carefully and note any dates; calculate days remaining to respond or appeal.
- Collect and copy key documents: tenancy agreement, bank records showing rent payments, photos of the property, and any messages with the landlord.
- Contact the landlord in writing to request clarification and propose solutions like mediation; keep a dated copy of your message.
- If the landlord starts proceedings, use the possession claim form guidance to prepare your response and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal or seeking legal advice.
Help and Support / Resources
- Welsh Government renting homes guidance
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) information
- Possession claim form (N5) guidance and forms
