Renters’ Rights Act – What does it mean for you?

Changes to your rental contract

Two things are changing for people who rent from us or other social landlords (and for private renters).
These changes start on 1 June 2026. We have written to you about these changes.

What are the changes?

Your rental contract is changing. It will include new terms that mean we cannot treat you unfairly if:

• you claim benefits, or
• you have a child living with you or visiting your home

Important information

In some cases, we can still limit children living in a property. This may happen if:

• the home is too small (overcrowding), or
• the type of housing is not suitable (for example, sheltered housing for older people)
• the housing is specialist accommodation (for example, for those being treated for substance misuse)

This is the same as now. If children can live with you or visit now, this will not change.

Contact from us

We will write to you with more information by 14 June 2026. If you do not receive a letter by this date, please contact us.

Who this applies to

These changes apply to:

• all current tenants
• all new tenants

For most people, nothing will change day to day. But you will have new rights in law.

More information from the Welsh Government can be found here.

FAQs

Do I have a choice about these changes? Do I need to do anything?

These changes apply to all renters. They are there to protect you from discrimination. The law says they can only be changed or removed if both you and we agree, and if it benefits you. This is unlikely for most people.

You do not need to do anything and you do not need to sign anything. If you are unsure, please contact us.

Can my children or stepchildren move in? Can I adopt or foster?

This depends on your situation. If there was a clear and fair rule before, it will usually stay the same.
For example:

• if your home is too small
• if the housing type is not suitable for children

Do I need to tell you if children move in?

Yes. You must tell us if your household changes. This includes if:

• children
• stepchildren
• foster children
• other family members

move in with you for a long time.

Contact us if you want to talk about children living in your home or to understand our rules.

Could I be asked to move to a smaller home because of this?

No. Your contract will have the same protection as it does now.

Can I apply for housing or swap homes if I have children?

Yes. This is normal. You can apply, but some homes may not be suitable, for example:

• if they are too small
• if they are for older people

What if I live in sheltered accommodation?

If you live in sheltered housing for older people, and children are not allowed to live there now, this will probably stay the same. This is because we may need to keep the home safe and suitable for everyone who lives there, or we may have to follow certain legal rules. If you are worried or have questions about this, you should speak to us.

How will you share this information?

We will write to you by 14 June 2026. We will explain what is changing and why. We will also share extra help if needed. We will continue to support tenants with additional needs.

What if I think I am being treated unfairly?

Please raise this with us first. For more advice, you can contact Shelter Cymru.

Can benefit claims affect decisions about my tenancy?

We cannot treat you unfairly because you claim benefits. We can still check if you can afford the rent. We will look at all income fairly, including:

• wages
• pensions
• maintenance payments
• benefits

Can I see the new contract?

Yes, click on the links below to see the new versions of our occupation contracts. These are samples so they will not have your details on.

Secure occupation contract for all general needs tenants including sheltered housing tenants

Standard occupation contract for market rental tenants

Standard (converted) occupation contract for market rental tenants