The section 173 route for a periodic standard contract has a six-month notice period and validity restrictions. Breach, serious rent arrears, fixed-term and other routes differ. Check the contract history and compliance evidence before service.
Identify the occupation contract and reason
Welsh possession routes depend on the contract and facts. Do not begin with a notice copied from a different country.
- Establish periodic or fixed term, new or converted status, the relevant contract terms and the proposed ground.
- Check the applicable notice form, minimum period, timing restrictions and preconditions. Section 173 and serious-arrears routes are different.
- Review registration, licensing, written-statement, deposit and fitness issues where they affect the route. An apparent arrears balance may involve disputed rent liability.
Prepare a defensible file
Put the chronology and source documents in order before serving anything.
- For arrears, record rent due and received, dates, credits and any disputed sums. Check the statutory test for the payment frequency.
- Keep the agreement, notices, delivery evidence and relevant correspondence. Check all joint contract-holders and the correct address.
- Obtain advice on defects, unusual circumstances or possible retaliatory-eviction issues. Do not backdate or silently alter a served notice.
Use the court process if necessary
A possession notice is a step in the process, not permission to remove the household.
- If the contract-holder remains, check the claim window and make the appropriate court application with current evidence.
- Comply with the order and lawful enforcement procedure. Do not change locks or remove possessions as a shortcut.
- Where the home may be abandoned, use the separate Welsh statutory guidance and obtain advice. Non-payment alone does not establish abandonment.
Example: two routes have different forms
A fictional landlord wants possession because of serious arrears but downloads a no-fault notice. Stop and identify the actual legal route and preconditions before service. A longer notice period does not necessarily cure use of the wrong form.
What to do
- Identify the contract and proposed ground.
- Check the current Welsh form and all validity restrictions.
- Keep service evidence and follow the court process if possession is contested.
Evidence to keep
- Contract and compliance pack
- Notice, service and ground-specific evidence
Sources and guidance
- Understanding the possession action processWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Renting homes: landlords, forms and model statementsWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026