⚠️ Section 21 Has Been Abolished — Effective 1 May 2026
As a result of the Renters' Rights Act, Section 21 "no-fault" evictions were abolished on 1 May 2026. Section 21 no longer applies. Landlords must now rely on Section 8 grounds for possession. All existing and new tenancies are affected.
Right to Rent Checks
for North Wales Landlords
Right to Rent checks apply in England only — not in Wales. If your properties are in North Wales, different rules apply under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. PDA Law advises landlords across North Wales on their compliance obligations under both the English and Welsh regimes.
Important: Right to Rent does NOT apply in Wales
The Right to Rent scheme applies to private residential tenancies in England only. If your property is in North Wales (Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Conwy, Anglesey etc.), you are not legally required to carry out Right to Rent checks. Different rules apply under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
Right to Rent and North Wales Properties
The Right to Rent scheme was introduced by the Immigration Act 2014 and requires landlords in England to check that all adult occupiers have the legal right to live in the UK before granting a tenancy. The scheme does not apply in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
If all your properties are in North Wales, you are not legally required to carry out Right to Rent checks. However, if you have properties on both sides of the border — some in England (e.g. Chester, Cheshire) and some in Wales (e.g. Wrexham, Flintshire) — you must carry out Right to Rent checks for your English properties but not your Welsh ones.
PDA Law advises landlords who operate across the England/Wales border on the different compliance requirements that apply in each jurisdiction.
England vs Wales: Key Differences for Landlords
| Requirement | England | Wales (North Wales) |
|---|---|---|
| Right to Rent checks | Mandatory | Not required |
| Tenancy type | Assured shorthold tenancy | Occupation contract (since Dec 2022) |
| Landlord registration | PRS Database (coming) | Rent Smart Wales (mandatory) |
| Section 21 / no-fault eviction | Abolished (1 May 2026) | Never applied — different notice rules |
| Fitness for human habitation | Homes Act 2018 | Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 |
| Deposit protection | Required (30 days) | Required (30 days) |
| Gas safety certificate | Annual | Annual |
| EPC minimum rating | E (proposed C by 2030) | E |
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 fundamentally changed the law for landlords in Wales. All existing tenancies automatically converted to occupation contracts on 1 December 2022. Key changes include:
- Assured shorthold tenancies replaced by occupation contracts
- Written statement of occupation contract must be provided within 14 days
- Different notice requirements — no Section 21 equivalent
- Fitness for human habitation obligations
- Mandatory electrical safety testing every 5 years
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements
Tenant Referencing for North Wales Properties
Although Right to Rent checks are not required for Welsh properties, North Wales landlords should still carry out thorough tenant referencing before granting an occupation contract. Good referencing practice includes:
Credit check
Check the tenant's credit history for CCJs, defaults, or insolvency.
Employment reference
Verify employment status and income — typically 2.5x annual rent.
Previous landlord reference
Contact the previous landlord to check payment history and conduct.
Identity verification
Verify the tenant's identity using a passport or driving licence.
Right to rent (if English property)
If the tenant also rents an English property, Right to Rent checks apply there.
Guarantor agreement
Consider a guarantor agreement if the tenant fails referencing criteria.
North Wales Areas We Cover
North Wales Landlord Advice
PDA Law advises landlords across North Wales on compliance with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and all other landlord obligations.
Make an Enquiry01244 757 352Right to Rent — Quick Summary
- England: Mandatory for all landlords
- Wales: Does NOT apply
- Scotland: Does NOT apply
- N. Ireland: Does NOT apply
Speak to a North Wales Landlord Solicitor
Get clear advice on your compliance obligations for North Wales properties from PDA Law's landlord solicitors.