First-Time Landlords in Wales: Essential Compliance with The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

If you’re a first-time landlord in Wales, you’re entering a highly regulated rental market governed by The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. This legislation fundamentally changes how you let out residential property, and non-compliance could prevent you from serving notice or regaining possession of your property.

To help you navigate this complex landscape, we’ve prepared a comprehensive compliance checklist of the key legal requirements every landlord must meet before letting a property:

Essential Landlord Compliance Checklist

1.) Written Statement

A Written Statement of the Occupation Contract must be provided to every contract holder.

2.)Gas Safety Certificate

A valid, up-to-date Gas Safety Certificate must be provided and renewed annually.

3.) Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

A current EICR must be provided, ensuring the electrical system is safe and compliant.

4.) Form RHW2 (Notice of Landlord’s Address)

This form notifies the contract holder of your address for official correspondence.

5.) Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

An EPC with a minimum rating of E must be provided to all contract holders.

6.) Deposit – Evidence of Payment into a Government-Approved Scheme

If you take a deposit, you must place it in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.

7.) Information/Certificate from the Deposit Scheme

Provide the deposit scheme certificate or prescribed information to the contract holder.

8.) Landlord Licence Number (Rent Smart Wales)

Ensure you are licensed through Rent Smart Wales and provide the licence number.

9.) Agent Licence Number (Rent Smart Wales)

If you use a managing agent, they must be licensed too — ensure their licence number is provided.

10.) Mains-Wired, Interlinked Smoke Alarms on Every Floor

Smoke alarms must be hard-wired, interlinked, and fully functional.

11.) Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Every Room with a Fuel Burning Source

These alarms must be installed and in working order.

Important: Failure to comply with these requirements could prevent you from serving notice or evicting a contract holder, potentially leaving you stuck with a problematic tenancy.

Need Help Navigating Compliance?

At RJM Solicitors, we understand that property law can be daunting, especially for first-time landlords. We offer a fixed-fee litigation process to give you peace of mind and cost certainty in resolving disputes.

Call our team today on 01685 373721 to discuss your situation or to get straightforward, expert legal advice tailored to your needs.