Student Tenancy Rules and Your Rights in Wales

Are you a student renting in Wales? Understanding your tenancy rights is essential for a safe, secure, and fair renting experience. Wales has made significant changes to renting law in recent years, especially through the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which affects all renters, including students. This guide covers student tenancy agreements, your protections, and what to do if things go wrong—all in clear language you can trust.

Student Tenancy Agreements in Wales: Key Points

Most student renters in Wales sign contracts known as ‘occupation contracts’ since December 2022, replacing old-style assured shorthold tenancies. Let’s explore what this means and how it affects your student housing arrangements.

Main Types of Student Tenancy Agreements

• Individual contracts: You rent your room and share facilities. You’re only responsible for your own rent.
• Joint contracts: A group rents together. Every contract-holder is jointly responsible for rooms and rent.
• Fixed term: Set dates (e.g., for the academic year). Ending early may have penalties.
• Periodic: Rolling contracts after a fixed term ends or if no end date is stated. These run monthly or weekly.

No matter which type you have, official Welsh law requires you to receive a written copy of your contract, called a ‘written statement of occupation contract’, within 14 days of moving in.¹

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Student Renter

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 gives all renters, including students, clear rights and protections. Here’s what you should be aware of:

• Written agreement – You must receive a written statement of your occupation contract.
• Deposit protection – Landlords must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme. You'll get details of the scheme used and how to get your deposit back at the end of the contract.
• Safe homes – Landlords must ensure the home is fit for human habitation (including working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and electrical safety checks).

• Notice periods – The amount of notice your landlord must give you has increased under new rules. Usually, at least six months’ notice is required to end a periodic contract, unless you’ve breached your contract.
• Repairs – Landlords are required to keep the property in good repair. You can report issues, and there are steps to escalate if repairs aren’t made.
• No unfair eviction – You can’t be evicted without legal notice and a valid reason under Welsh law.

Key Official Forms for Student Renters in Wales

• Notice by contract-holder to end contract (RHW23): Use this form if you wish to give notice to leave your property after your fixed term ends, or to end a periodic occupation contract.
  Download RHW23 Notice form from Welsh Government
  Example: Jade completes RHW23 to inform her landlord she will leave at the end of her academic year.
• Notice by landlord to end occupation contract (e.g., Section 173 Notice): Landlords use special forms to give you notice. The most common is the Section 173 notice for 'no-fault' evictions, requiring at least 6 months’ notice.
  See official notices from the Welsh Government
• Deposit Protection Certificate: Your landlord must provide you with a certificate from their chosen government-approved deposit scheme (such as MyDeposits, TDS, or Deposit Protection Service) within 30 days.
  Learn about deposit protection in Wales

Raising Issues: Repairs, Complaints, and Eviction

If your landlord fails to address repairs or tries to evict you unfairly, there are steps and protections available:

• First, report all issues in writing—email or letter—to your landlord or letting agent.
• If unresolved, you can contact your local council’s housing team.
• If threatened with eviction or facing serious disputes, you may bring your case before the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales.

The main law covering student renting in Wales is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.¹ This act sets out your rights, the forms your landlord should use, and how disputes are handled.

FAQ: Student Renting Rules in Wales

1. Do student renters have to pay council tax in Wales?
   Most full-time students in Wales are exempt from council tax. If you live only with other full-time students, you shouldn’t receive a council tax bill. Always check with your university or your local council for advice.
2. How much notice must my landlord give me to end my contract?
   For periodic occupation contracts, landlords must give at least 6 months’ notice unless you breach your contract terms. There are some exceptions for serious contract breaches.
3. What can I do if my landlord won’t do repairs?
   Start by contacting your landlord or agent in writing. If repairs aren’t made, contact your local council’s housing team. Persistent problems can be taken to the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales.
4. How do I get my deposit back?
   Your landlord must return your deposit at the end of the contract unless there’s a valid reason to make deductions. It should have been protected in an approved scheme; if not, report this to the scheme provider or seek advice via the Welsh Government.
5. Can I leave before my fixed term ends?
   Usually, you can only leave early if your occupation contract allows it, or you agree to ‘surrender’ with your landlord. Otherwise, you may remain liable for rent until the fixed term expires.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Student Renters in Wales

• You’re legally entitled to a written occupation contract and deposit protection.
• Notice periods for ending contracts are now longer under Welsh law—usually 6 months for landlords.
• If you face issues, clear complaint routes and official tribunals exist to help.

Staying informed protects you throughout your rental journey in Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Renting a Home – A Guide for Tenants
• Shelter Cymru: Renting Advice for Students
• Residential Property Tribunal for Wales – for serious disputes
• Your local council’s housing department
• University student support services or student unions

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – see official legislation here
2. Official RHW23 form for giving notice
3. Welsh Government deposit protection guidance

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