Instant Valuation

Renting Services

A guide to renting in Wales

Renting in Wales works differently. The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 changed the language, the contracts and your protections. Here’s what that means for you as a contract-holder - in plain terms.

What changed

The basics

One law that reshaped renting

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 came into force on 1 December 2022 and overhauled how renting works across Wales. It renamed renters, replaced old-style agreements with occupation contracts, and set clear duties for landlords. If you’re renting in Cardiff, this is the framework that protects you.

Old language vs new

The words renting changed

The Act didn’t just tweak the rules - it changed the language renters meet. Here’s the before and after.

  • Before Tenant
    Now in Wales Contract-holder

    The Act renamed renters. In Wales you are a contract-holder, not a tenant.

  • Before Tenancy agreement
    Now in Wales Occupation contract

    Your agreement is an occupation contract. Private lets use a standard contract.

  • Before “Section 21” no-fault notice
    Now in Wales Section 173 notice

    No-fault notice now needs a minimum of 6 months and can’t come in your first 6 months.

  • Before Deposit - handed over and trusted
    Now in Wales Protected deposit + prescribed info

    Your deposit must be placed in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, with prescribed information given.

  • Before Letting & admin fees on top of rent
    Now in Wales Permitted payments only

    Most fees are banned. Only rent, deposit, a capped holding deposit and default payments are allowed.

Step by step

Your renting journey

From first search to moving on, here’s how renting with us unfolds under Welsh law.

  1. 01

    Find a home

    Search homes let by a landlord or agent who is registered and licensed with Rent Smart Wales.

  2. 02

    Reference & sign

    Pass referencing and agree your occupation contract - in Wales a private let is a standard contract.

  3. 03

    Statement & deposit

    Your written statement of the contract must arrive within 14 days, and any deposit is protected within 30 days.

  4. 04

    Move in

    Before you settle in, safety duties must be met - smoke and CO alarms, electrics and gas checks where they apply.

  5. 05

    During your contract

    The landlord keeps the structure, exterior and key installations in repair, and the home fit for human habitation.

  6. 06

    Moving on

    A no-fault Section 173 notice needs at least 6 months and only after your first 6 months of occupation.

Know where you stand

Your rights as a contract-holder in Wales

The Act gives renters in Wales clear, enforceable protections. These are the ones that matter most day to day.

A safe, fit home

Your home must be fit for human habitation, with mains-wired interlinked smoke alarms on every storey and carbon monoxide alarms by fuel-burning appliances.

Checked electrics & gas

An electrical safety inspection (EICR) at least every 5 years, and an annual gas safety check wherever there is gas.

A written statement

You’re entitled to a written statement of your occupation contract within 14 days of moving in, setting out your rights and terms.

No surprise fees

Letting and admin fees are banned. Only permitted payments apply - rent, a security deposit, a holding deposit capped at one week’s rent, and default payments.

A protected deposit

Any deposit you pay must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, and you must be given the prescribed information.

Repairs kept up

Your landlord is responsible for the structure and exterior and for the water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating and hot-water installations.

No-fault notices

Section 173, in plain terms

A no-fault notice in Wales is a Section 173 notice. It needs a minimum of 6 months’ notice and can’t be served in your first 6 months of occupation - giving you around 12 months’ minimum security. And it isn’t even valid unless your landlord has met every duty below.

  • Registered and licensed with Rent Smart Wales
  • Your deposit protected in an approved scheme
  • Your written statement of the contract given to you
  • Fitness and safety duties met for the home

Note: Right to Rent immigration checks apply in England only - not in Wales - so they’re not part of renting here.

Thinking of renting with us?

Whether it's your first rental or your next move, our Cardiff lettings team will guide you through every step under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act. Get in touch.

We'll only use your details to respond to this enquiry.