The Renters’ Rights Bill: What It Means for Welsh Landlords

Renters' Rights Bill Background

Reform of the private rented sector has long been on the political agenda, with successive governments promising but often failing to deliver meaningful change. The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant step toward modernising the sector, addressing issues of affordability, quality and security that have persisted for decades.

While most landlords provide good-quality housing and fair treatment, the private rented sector remains the least affordable and most insecure form of tenure. Too many tenants live with the constant threat of eviction on minimal notice or tolerate poor conditions for fear that raising a complaint could trigger a retaliatory eviction.

A reformed rental market should work for both landlords and tenants, providing stability for families while maintaining fairness for responsible landlords. The Government’s stated aim is to create a system that rewards professionalism, removes rogue practices and ensures that everyone has the chance to build a secure home and future.

Impact on Wales: Anti-Discrimination Provisions

Although the Renters’ Rights Bill primarily applies to England, its anti-discrimination provisions extend to Wales. The Welsh Government holds responsibility for determining its own implementation timetable, meaning that while the framework will be UK-wide, practical enforcement will be tailored to Wales’ housing system.

These provisions form part of a wider commitment across the UK to ensure fairness and equality in the private rented sector, aligning with existing Welsh housing legislation and equality standards.

Prohibiting Rental Discrimination

A key feature of the Bill is the prohibition of rental discrimination against families with children and individuals who receive benefits. The practice of “No DSS” or similar exclusionary advertising has long been condemned as unfair and unlawful, yet remains prevalent in parts of the sector.

Under the new regime:

• Landlords and letting agents must assess all applicants on an individual basis.

• They may continue to conduct referencing and affordability checks, but cannot refuse applicants solely because they have children or are in receipt of benefits.

• Mortgage, lease or insurance clauses that compel landlords to discriminate will be rendered of no effect, protecting landlords from breaching contract terms that contravene the law.

The Welsh Government’s involvement ensures that these anti-discrimination standards will be embedded within the broader devolved housing enforcement framework. In Wales, a breach of these provisions will constitute a criminal offence, in keeping with the country’s housing enforcement model.

Renters' Rights Bill Frequently Asked Questions

Will landlords still be able to decide who rents their property?

Yes. Landlords and agents will retain discretion to select tenants, provided decisions are based on legitimate factors such as affordability or suitability of the property, not discriminatory criteria.

What if a property isn’t suitable for children?

Landlords must assess suitability case by case. For example, a one-bedroom flat may be appropriate for a parent with an infant but not for a family with older children if it would cause overcrowding under housing standards.

What if my mortgage, lease or insurance restricts renting to certain tenants?

Such clauses will be invalid once the legislation comes into force. Existing insurance policies will remain valid until renewal, but new contracts must comply with the non-discrimination rules.

When will the changes take effect?

Following Royal Assent, the UK and Welsh Governments will implement a phased introduction to allow time for education, training and adjustment. Further guidance will be published once the Welsh Government sets its specific commencement date.

The Impact of The Renters' Rights Bill for Welsh Landlords

The Renters’ Rights Bill marks a turning point in rental law, strengthening protections for tenants while clarifying landlords’ responsibilities. For Welsh landlords, the focus will be on understanding and complying with the new anti-discrimination rules once they are enacted by the Welsh Government.