In short · from Rent Smart Wales
- The rule now
- Since 1 June 2026 it is unlawful in Wales to discriminate against applicants because they have children or receive benefits, and occupation contracts must include new terms saying so.
- What’s changed
- Existing contract-holders had to be given a written statement of the new terms by 14 June 2026. New standard contracts from 1 June 2026 must include them. Welsh Government's model written statements have been updated, and Rent Smart Wales says previous templates are out of date.
- Does it apply in Wales?
- Yes
The detail
Rent Smart Wales says landlords and agents cannot refuse a prospective tenant for enquiring about or viewing a property, accessing information about it, entering an occupation contract, receiving benefits during occupation, or having a child live at or visit the dwelling.
By 14 June 2026 an existing contract-holder should have been given either an updated written statement of the contract that includes the new terms, or a separate written statement of the new terms that makes clear where they sit in the existing contract.
New standard occupation contracts from 1 June 2026 must include the new terms.
Welsh Government's model written statements of occupation contracts have been updated with the new terms, and Rent Smart Wales says previous templates are now out of date. Welsh Government has also published an example notice of variation.
Rent Smart Wales says a landlord who has not complied may face financial consequences or criminal proceedings, and that it cannot give tailored advice on the Act.
What is not confirmed: Whether your own contracts have been updated. Check what each contract-holder was given, and when. Rent Smart Wales shows no publication date on its news items.
The source says: “From 1 June 2026, it became unlawful for a landlord – or anyone acting on their behalf – to discriminate against applicants because they have children or receive benefits.”
Sources
Guidance, not legal advice. Check the official page before you act.
How this is made
RenteRoo drafts these updates with the help of AI, working from the official pages linked above, and a person at RenteRoo reads the source before each one is published. They are guidance, not legal advice, and can be out of date or wrong. The official page is the authority, and checking it before you act is your responsibility. Spotted a mistake? Email hello@renteroo.co.uk and we will correct it and say what changed.
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