Verbal Tenancy Agreements: Your Legal Rights in Wales

If you’re renting in Wales and have agreed to your tenancy verbally—rather than with a written contract—it’s important to know that you still have clear legal rights. While verbal agreements may seem informal, they are recognised under Welsh law, especially since the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 came into force. This article explains what a verbal tenancy means, how your rights are protected, and what steps you can take if issues arise with rent, eviction, or repairs.

What Is a Verbal Tenancy Agreement?

A verbal (or oral) tenancy agreement is simply an agreement made between you and your landlord without putting the terms in writing. In Wales, most renters since 1 December 2022 will have an ‘occupation contract’—this applies to both written and verbal arrangements.^[1]

• Legal status: Verbal agreements are legally binding.
• Basic protections: You are still entitled to core rights, such as safe living conditions, notice periods for eviction, and deposit protection.
• Written statement: Your landlord must give you a written statement of your contract's key terms within 14 days of your tenancy starting. If you don't get this, you can formally request one. Read more on written statements.

Your Rights and Protections with a Verbal Agreement

Even when your arrangement is only verbal, you have strong legal protections thanks to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and official government guidance.

Key Rights Under a Verbal Tenancy in Wales

• Protection from unfair eviction: Your landlord must follow the law to end your agreement, giving you the required notice in writing—even if your contract was made verbally.
• Rent increase rules: Any increase must follow proper notice procedures. You have the right to challenge rent increases under certain conditions.
• Repairs and standards: Landlords are responsible for repairs to the structure, heating, water, and electrical systems, just like with written contracts.
• Deposit protection: If you’ve paid a deposit, it must still be protected in a government-backed scheme. You should receive details in writing.
• Right to written terms: You can request a written statement of your agreement if your landlord has not provided one.

Common Issues with Verbal Agreements

Verbal agreements can sometimes lead to disagreements, especially if there is confusion around rent, notice periods, or maintenance responsibilities. Keeping evidence, such as emails, texts, or witness statements, can greatly help if a dispute arises.

What If There’s a Dispute or Problem?

If things go wrong—like disagreements over rent, eviction notices, or repairs—it’s important to understand your options and which forms or official steps to use.

Requesting a Written Statement

• If you have not received a written statement of your occupation contract, you have the right to request it from your landlord. Do so in writing and keep a copy for your records.

If your landlord fails to provide the statement within 14 days of your written request, you may be entitled to compensation—a valuable protection for renters in Wales. More guidance is available through Welsh Government’s statement guidance.

Challenging a Rent Increase

• You must receive a written notice of any rent increase.
• If you believe the rent increase is excessive or unfair, you can challenge it by applying to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Official form:

• “Application Regarding Rent Determination” (RT5 form): Use this form if you wish to contest a rent increase set by your landlord. For example, if you’re told verbally that your rent will increase, but didn’t receive a written statement, you can still apply to the tribunal using this form.
  Find the RT5 Rent Determination Form and instructions

If You Face Eviction

• Your landlord must always give you written notice—the requirements depend on your contract type and reason for eviction. Verbal notice is not legal for ending your tenancy.
• If you receive an eviction notice, seek advice and keep a copy of all communications.
• Challenging an eviction can be done through the Residential Property Tribunal Wales and local courts.

FAQ: Verbal Tenancy Agreements in Wales

1. If my landlord refuses to give me a written contract, am I still protected?
   Yes. Your rental agreement is still valid and protected by Welsh law, even if it’s only verbal. However, your landlord must provide a written statement of key terms within 14 days of your tenancy starting if you ask for it.
2. Can my landlord evict me without written notice if we only have a verbal agreement?
   No. Your landlord cannot evict you using only verbal notice. Welsh law requires written notice with specific notice periods, regardless of how your agreement was made.
3. How can I prove what was agreed if my contract is only verbal?
   Keep any texts, emails, or messages discussing the tenancy, as well as rent receipts or bank statements. Witnesses who were present can also help support your case if a dispute arises.
4. Is my deposit protected if I only have a verbal agreement?
   Yes. By law, all deposits for assured shorthold tenancies must be placed in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme, whether your agreement is verbal or written.
5. What can I do if my landlord increases the rent unfairly?
   You can formally challenge the increase by applying to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. You can use the official RT5 form for this purpose.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Verbal tenancy agreements in Wales are legally valid, and renters have full protections under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
• Always ask for written confirmation of key terms and keep records of all communications.
• You can challenge rent increases or unfair evictions through formal legal channels, including the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Having a verbal tenancy means your rights are protected—make sure you use the official forms and seek advice if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – handles disputes over rent, eviction, and housing standards
• Welsh Government Renting Home Guidance – plain language guides for renters
• Shelter Cymru Advice – free, confidential advice service for renters in Wales
• Government Tenancy Deposit Protection – overview of your deposit rights

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1. See the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 for legal basis and details of written statement requirements.
2. Official forms and tribunal process info: Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
3. See the Tenancy Deposit Protection rules for deposits in both verbal and written agreements.

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