If you own rental property in Wales, you’ve probably been watching the news about the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 with a mix of confusion and concern. Most of the headlines have focused on what’s changing in England, but there are specific provisions that apply in Wales too, with real deadlines coming up fast.
This blog breaks down exactly what Welsh landlords need to know, what’s already in force, and what you need to do to stay compliant.
First, a quick recap: Wales has its own framework
Housing law in Wales and England diverged significantly when the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 came into full effect in December 2022. That Act replaced almost all traditional tenancies with occupation contracts, meaning tenants are now formally recognised as contract-holders, and a written occupation contract became compulsory.
This matters because most of the provisions in the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 were already introduced in Wales in some form under that earlier legislation. So while English landlords are facing sweeping changes right now, Welsh landlords are largely operating under a framework that already anticipated much of this shift.
What the Renters’ Rights Act applies to in Wales
Even though Wales controls most of its own housing law, certain parts of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 do extend across the border.
The most significant change relates to discrimination. From 1 June 2026, Welsh landlords will be prohibited from discriminating against prospective or existing contract-holders on the basis that they have a child who lives with or visits them, or that they are in receipt of means-tested state benefits.
Previously, landlords could refuse applicants with children or those on housing benefit or Universal Credit. That practice is now being outlawed, and the consequences for getting it wrong are serious. Discrimination by landlords against contract-holders will be criminalised through the introduction of new criminal offences.
Your occupation contracts need updating
The anti-discrimination rules don’t just affect how you choose tenants; they also change the formal terms of your occupation contracts.
All landlords in Wales are required to update their standard occupation contracts by formal variation by 14 June 2026, or include the new fundamental terms in any new standard occupation contracts from 1 June 2026.
If you’re using a model written statement provided by the Welsh Government, updates are being made centrally, but if you use a bespoke version, you’ll need to review it carefully and ensure it reflects the new requirements. Merely failing to update your written statement could entitle your tenant to claim compensation.
How Wales Compares to England Right Now
It’s worth understanding the contrast, particularly if you have properties on both sides of the border.
In England, the first raft of changes under the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026. These included the abolition of assured shorthold tenancies, the end of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, and increases to most Section 8 notice periods.
After 1 May 2026, Wales became the only UK nation where private landlords still retain the power to evict without giving a reason. However, Wales retains the longest eviction notice period of any UK nation, with landlords required to give six months’ notice before initiating a no-fault possession claim.
In practice, Welsh landlords already have one of the most tenant-protective frameworks in the UK. The Renters’ Rights Act largely reinforces that, rather than overhauling it from scratch.
What Welsh landlords should do now:
The June 2026 deadline is approaching. Here’s what to focus on:
- Review your occupation contracts to ensure the new anti-discrimination provisions are included or formally varied by 14 June 2026
- Update your tenant application processes to remove any filtering based on benefit status or the presence of children
- Make sure you’re registered and licensed with Rent Smart Wales, as this remains a legal requirement
- Seek legal advice if you’re unsure whether your current contracts or practices are compliant
The legislation is evolving, and the Welsh Government has additional powers under the Act to extend anti-discrimination protections further in future. Staying ahead of the changes now is far easier than dealing with enforcement action later.
If you have questions about how the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 affects your rental property in Wales, our team at Dudden Law is here to help. We offer a free first consultation so you can get clear, straightforward advice without any obligation.
Based in Cardiff and serving landlords across South Wales and beyond, we can review your occupation contracts, advise on compliance, and help you understand your obligations under Welsh tenancy law. Get in touch today — call us on 02921 320 150 or email info@duddenlaw.co.uk.
Insights from Dean Francis
