Wales Renters: Your Key Rights and Responsibilities

Renting a home in Wales comes with a set of clear legal rights and responsibilities. Whether you're worried about rent hikes, evictions, or getting repairs done, knowing where you stand under Welsh law will help you feel more secure and empowered in your renting journey. This guide outlines your key rights as a tenant, explains the official forms you'll need, and shows you how to get support if you need it.

Your Core Rights as a Renter in Wales

Welsh tenants are protected by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. This law covers the rights and duties of both tenants (now called "contract-holders") and landlords.

• Written Contract: You must receive a written occupation contract from your landlord, laying out rights and obligations.
• Safe and Habitable Housing: Landlords must ensure homes are safe, with necessary repairs and working smoke alarms.
• Notice Periods: For evictions, most contract-holders are entitled to at least six months’ notice, unless there’s a serious breach (like rent arrears or antisocial behaviour).
• Protection Against Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow the proper legal process and use official forms for ending your contract.
• Rent Increases: You must be given at least two months’ written notice of any rent increase, and only one increase is allowed per year.
• Deposit Protection: Any deposit paid must be placed in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days.

Understanding Occupation Contracts

Since December 2022, most private and social renters in Wales have become "contract-holders" under an "occupation contract." This replaced old forms of tenancy agreements. These contracts set out your rights to live in the property and what happens if problems arise.

• Ask for your written contract if you haven’t received one (your landlord is legally required to provide it).
• Review your contract for key terms, such as repair responsibilities or notice periods for leaving.

Key Official Forms You May Encounter

• RHW2: Landlord's Notice of a Proposed Rent Increase
  Use: Your landlord must serve this form to raise your rent.
  Example: If your landlord sends you a RHW2 form, you’ll have at least two months before any rent changes take effect.
  Download RHW2 from the Welsh Government
• RHW16: Notice by Landlord to End an Occupation Contract
  Use: Served by the landlord to give notice that they want to end your agreement.
  Example: If you receive this form, you’ll know your landlord is formally asking you to leave; check the notice period and seek advice before making plans.
  See RHW16 official form
• RHW23: Notice by Contract-Holder to End an Occupation Contract
  Use: If you wish to give formal notice to end your own contract.
  Example: Planning to move? Serve this form on your landlord to ensure you’re meeting your legal obligations.
  View RHW23 official form

All forms and official guidance are on the Welsh Government’s Renting Homes Portal.

Eviction Protections and Processes

If you’re worried about being asked to leave, the process must follow strict rules:

• Your landlord must use the official RHW16 form (see above)
• You must receive at least 6 months’ notice, except in cases of contract breach
• For disputes, contact the Residential Property Tribunal Wales

Repairs and Living Standards

It’s your right to live in a home that is safe, secure, and fit for human habitation. Your landlord must keep the property in good repair—including electrical systems, water, and heating—and act on issues like damp or mould. If repairs are not completed after you've notified your landlord, you can seek help.

If your landlord won’t act, you may be able to get support or escalation through your local council or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. See the process in our resources section below.

Rent Increases: Your Rights and How to Dispute

Landlords can raise rent only once in any 12-month period by serving the RHW2 form, with two months’ notice. If you feel the rent increase is unfair, you can challenge it by applying to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

• Review the RHW2 notice carefully
• Object in writing to your landlord if you disagree with the increase
• Submit a formal application to the tribunal if an agreement can't be reached

FAQ: Renters’ Common Questions in Wales

1. Can my landlord evict me at any time?
   No. Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. You’re entitled to a set notice period—and must be served the correct form (usually RHW16). Unlawful eviction is a serious offence.
2. How can I challenge a rent increase?
   If you receive an RHW2 notice of proposed rent increase, you can object in writing and, if necessary, apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales to assess if the increase is fair.
3. What if my landlord doesn’t repair the property?
   You should report repairs in writing. If no action is taken, contact your local council’s housing team or the tribunal for help. Ensure you keep all records of your communication.
4. Do I have to receive my contract in writing?
   Yes. Landlords must provide a written occupation contract. If you haven’t received one, request it in writing immediately.
5. Who protects my deposit?
   Landlords must place your deposit in a government-approved scheme. You’ll receive details on the scheme and how your deposit is protected within 30 days of payment.

Key Takeaways for Welsh Renters

• Always ensure you have a written occupation contract and understand its terms.
• Proper notice and official forms (like RHW2 or RHW16) are required for rent increases and eviction.
• Disputes can be taken to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for impartial resolution.

Knowing your rights helps you resolve issues calmly and gives you a clear path if problems arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Official Welsh Government Renting Homes Guidance
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – handles disputes on rent, repairs, and contract termination
• Your local authority’s housing team – support with repairs, illegal eviction, and housing standards
• Tenancy deposit protection schemes

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Welsh Government: Renting Homes Guidance
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales
4. UK Government: Deposit Protection Schemes

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