Welsh properties only. Occupation contracts replaced ASTs in Wales on 1 December 2022 under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. England tenancy agreements →
Occupation Contracts
Wales
Specialist solicitors for Welsh landlords. Drafting and reviewing occupation contracts, written statements and compliance under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
Assured shorthold tenancies no longer apply in Wales. Using an English tenancy agreement for a Welsh property can invalidate your possession notices. We ensure your contracts are compliant from the outset.
ASTs No Longer Apply in Wales
Since 1 December 2022, all residential tenancies in Wales must be occupation contracts under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Assured shorthold tenancies are no longer valid for new Welsh tenancies.
If you are using an English AST template for a Welsh property, or if your written statement was not provided within 14 days, you may be unable to serve a valid Section 173 notice. We check compliance before any possession action is taken.
Our Services
Occupation Contract Services for Welsh Landlords
We advise Welsh landlords on all aspects of occupation contracts — from initial drafting to compliance reviews and written statement obligations.
Drafting Occupation Contracts
We draft standard occupation contracts compliant with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — including all required fundamental terms and any agreed supplementary terms.
Reviewing Existing Contracts
We review your existing occupation contracts to identify any non-compliant terms, missing provisions or issues that could affect your ability to serve valid possession notices.
Written Statement Compliance
We ensure your written statement meets all statutory requirements and is provided within the 14-day deadline — a critical pre-condition for serving a valid Section 173 notice.
Rent Smart Wales Compliance
We advise on Rent Smart Wales registration requirements — a mandatory obligation for all Welsh landlords and a pre-condition for serving valid possession notices.
Converting Existing ASTs
If you have properties in Wales that were let on ASTs before December 2022, we advise on the automatic conversion and any steps needed to ensure full compliance.
Fitness for Human Habitation
The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 imposes broader fitness for human habitation obligations than English law. We advise on your obligations and how to manage them.
Welsh Landlord Law Glossary
Key Terms Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
The Welsh regime uses different terminology from England. Understanding these terms is essential for compliance.
Occupation Contract
Replaced assured shorthold tenancies in Wales from 1 December 2022. Two types: standard (private landlords) and secure (social landlords).
Contract-Holder
The Welsh equivalent of a tenant. The person who occupies the property under an occupation contract.
Written Statement
A document setting out all the terms of the occupation contract. Must be provided within 14 days of the occupation date.
Fundamental Terms
Terms set by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 that cannot be changed — including fitness for human habitation and possession procedures.
Supplementary Terms
Terms that can be modified by agreement between landlord and contract-holder — such as pet policies, subletting restrictions and maintenance responsibilities.
Rent Smart Wales
The Welsh landlord registration scheme. All landlords with Welsh properties must register. Failure to register can invalidate possession notices.
FAQs
Common Questions — Welsh Occupation Contracts
Do I need an occupation contract for a Welsh property?
Yes. Since 1 December 2022, all new residential tenancies in Wales must be occupation contracts under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) no longer apply to new Welsh tenancies. Existing ASTs were automatically converted to occupation contracts on 1 December 2022.
What is the difference between a standard and secure occupation contract?
A standard occupation contract is the Welsh equivalent of an assured shorthold tenancy — used by private landlords. A secure occupation contract is used by social landlords (local authorities and registered social landlords). Most private landlords will use standard occupation contracts.
What is a written statement in Wales?
Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords must provide a written statement of the occupation contract to the contract-holder within 14 days of the occupation date. The written statement must include all the terms of the contract — both fundamental terms (set by law) and supplementary terms. Failure to provide a written statement can prevent a landlord from serving a valid Section 173 notice.
Can I use an English tenancy agreement for a Welsh property?
No. An English assured shorthold tenancy agreement is not valid for a Welsh property. Welsh properties must use occupation contracts under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Using an English AST for a Welsh property could invalidate your possession notices and leave you unable to recover possession.
What are the fundamental terms of a Welsh occupation contract?
Fundamental terms are set by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and cannot be changed. They include: the landlord's obligation to keep the property fit for human habitation; the contract-holder's right to occupy; repair obligations; and the procedures for ending the contract. Supplementary terms can be modified by agreement.
Related Services
Wales Landlord Services
Overview of all landlord services for Welsh properties.
Find out moreEvictions in Wales
Section 173 and Section 157 notices, possession claims and enforcement.
Find out moreEngland Tenancy Agreements
Tenancy agreements for English properties under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
Find out moreWelsh Landlords
Speak to a Landlord Solicitor
Tell us about your Welsh occupation contract matter and we will advise on compliance 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