Housing law: setting up an occupation contract in Wales

It is essential that everyone who provides accommodation in Wales should consider whether the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 applies to them. The scope is much broader than previous housing legislation and applies to most situations where a person lives in accommodation owned by someone else. 

This business guide explains the requirements for setting up a new, periodic standard occupation contract, and also looks at how to convert an existing tenancy that started before 1 December 2022.

For an introduction to the recent changes to housing law in Wales, please see business guide “Housing Law: an overview in Wales”.

Please note this business guide only relates to:

• Standard occupation contracts (that is to say, an occupation contract granted by a private landlord rather than a housing authority or local authority); and

• Occupation contracts that are “periodic” (running from month-to-month) rather than those with a fixed term.