Tenants' Rights in Wales

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 fundamentally changed the rental landscape in Wales. This legislation replaced assured shorthold tenancies with occupation contracts, providing stronger protections for tenants. Key rights include a minimum of six months' security before a landlord can serve notice, mandatory written statements, and clearer repair obligations. If you're renting in Wales, you now have a standard occupation contract that cannot be shorter than the legal minimum terms, giving you greater stability and peace of mind.

In Wales, landlords must ensure properties meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. Your home must be safe, warm, and weatherproof. This includes working heating systems, adequate insulation, and no serious hazards like damp or mould. If your landlord fails to maintain these standards, you can report them to your local authority's environmental health department. The Fitness for Human Habitation regulations mean you have the right to take legal action if serious disrepair affects your health or safety.

Under Welsh law, landlords must give at least six months' notice during the first 12 months of your contract before seeking possession. After this initial period, the notice period drops to two months. However, landlords can only evict you for specific reasons outlined in the Renting Homes Act. These include serious rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, or if the property is being sold. Crucially, retaliatory eviction—evicting you for complaining about repairs—is illegal. Always seek advice if you receive a possession notice, as there may be grounds to challenge it.