Wales has its own landlord law. The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 applies — not the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (England only). England landlord services →
Landlord Solicitors
Wales
Specialist landlord solicitors advising on the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — occupation contracts, Section 173 and Section 157 notices, possession claims and tenancy disputes across Wales.
Welsh landlord law is separate from England. The Renters' Rights Act does not apply in Wales. We ensure you use the correct Welsh procedures — errors cost months.
Wales Has Its Own Landlord Law
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 — which abolished Section 21 in England on 1 May 2025 — does not apply in Wales. Welsh landlords are governed by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which came into force on 1 December 2022.
Using English procedures for a Welsh property — or vice versa — will invalidate your notice and delay possession. We advise on the correct Welsh regime for your property.
Key Differences
England vs Wales — Landlord Law
The two regimes are fundamentally different. Using the wrong procedures can invalidate your notice and delay possession by months.
| Aspect | England | Wales |
|---|---|---|
| Tenancy Type | Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) | Occupation Contract (standard or secure) |
| No-Fault Possession | Section 21 — abolished 1 May 2025 | Section 173 notice — still available (6 months' notice) |
| Fault-Based Possession | Section 8 notice | Section 157 notice |
| Governing Legislation | Housing Act 1988 + Renters' Rights Act 2025 | Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 |
| Written Statement | No statutory requirement for written AST | Landlord must provide written statement within 14 days |
| Fitness for Human Habitation | Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 | Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (broader obligations) |
Welsh Landlord Services
How We Can Help Welsh Landlords
Specialist landlord legal services under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — from occupation contracts to possession proceedings.
Evictions & Possession (Wales)
Section 173 notices (no-fault), Section 157 notices (fault-based), possession claims and enforcement under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
Find out moreOccupation Contracts
Drafting and reviewing standard and secure occupation contracts compliant with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Replacing ASTs since December 2022.
Find out moreRent Arrears Recovery
Pre-action letters, money claims, County Court Judgments and enforcement for unpaid rent from Welsh properties.
Find out moreLandlord & Tenant Disputes
Breach of contract, property condition allegations, access disputes and regulatory enforcement under Welsh housing law.
Find out moreFixed Fees for Welsh Landlords
Transparent staged fixed fees for Welsh landlords — possession notices from £600, possession claims from £1,964.
Find out moreNorth Wales Landlords
Specialist landlord services for North Wales — Wrexham, Flintshire, Deeside, Denbighshire, Conwy and Anglesey.
Find out moreRent Smart Wales — Landlord Registration
All landlords with properties in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales. Failure to register is a criminal offence and can prevent you from serving valid possession notices. We advise on compliance obligations alongside any possession or tenancy matter.
If you are unsure whether your property is registered or whether your occupation contract is compliant, speak to us before serving any notice.
Why PDA Law
Specialist Welsh Landlord Solicitors
Welsh Law Expertise
We advise on the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — the correct regime for Welsh properties, not the English rules.
Notices Served Correctly
Using the wrong notice type or procedure for a Welsh property invalidates the process. We get it right first time.
Staged Fixed-Fee Pricing
Cost certainty at each stage — possession notice, claim and enforcement priced separately from £240.
Fast Turnaround
Notices prepared within 24–48 hours of receiving your instructions and occupation contract documents.
Chester — Serving All of Wales
Chester-based, conveniently located for North Wales landlords. We handle matters across the whole of Wales remotely.
Letting Agents Welcome
We work with letting agents managing Welsh properties on an ongoing basis — volume-friendly, solicitor-led.
Your Solicitor
Speak to Our Landlord Solicitor
Jane Clutton
Director & Solicitor
Jane brings almost 30 years' experience to landlord and tenant matters across Chester, Cheshire and Wales. She advises Welsh landlords on the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — ensuring the correct occupation contracts, notice procedures and possession routes are used for your specific property location.
FAQs
Common Questions — Welsh Landlords
Does the Renters' Rights Act apply in Wales?
No. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (which abolished Section 21 in England on 1 May 2025) applies to England only. Wales has its own separate legislation — the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — which already came into force on 1 December 2022. Welsh landlords must comply with the Welsh regime, not the English one.
What replaced assured shorthold tenancies in Wales?
The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 replaced assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) with occupation contracts. There are two types: standard occupation contracts (equivalent to ASTs) and secure occupation contracts. All new tenancies in Wales since 1 December 2022 must be occupation contracts.
How do you end a tenancy in Wales?
In Wales, landlords can end a standard occupation contract by serving a Section 173 notice (no-fault, requiring 6 months' notice) or a Section 157 notice (fault-based, equivalent to Section 8 in England). The notice periods and procedures differ from England. Errors in notices can invalidate the process.
What is a Section 173 notice in Wales?
A Section 173 notice is the Welsh equivalent of the old Section 21 notice in England — it allows a landlord to end a standard occupation contract without giving a reason. However, unlike England where Section 21 has been abolished, Section 173 notices remain available in Wales. The notice period is 6 months.
What is a Section 157 notice in Wales?
A Section 157 notice is the Welsh equivalent of a Section 8 notice in England. It is served where the contract-holder has breached the occupation contract — most commonly rent arrears. The notice periods and grounds differ from Section 8. We advise Welsh landlords on the correct grounds and procedures.
Do you act for landlords across Wales?
Yes. We act for landlords across Wales — North Wales, South Wales, Mid Wales and West Wales. Our Chester office is conveniently located for North Wales landlords, and we handle matters across the whole of Wales remotely.
Properties in England?
England Landlord Services
If your property is in England, different rules apply. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolished Section 21 on 1 May 2025. All possession claims in England must now use Section 8 grounds. See our England landlord services pages for the correct procedures.
Welsh Landlords
Speak to a Landlord Solicitor
Tell us about your Welsh landlord matter and we will provide clear advice on the correct procedures under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. No-obligation fixed-fee estimate. We respond within one working day.
Prefer to speak with us directly? Call 01244 757352