The 2026 amendments introduce fundamental terms from 1 June 2026. Check the official guidance for new and existing contracts and for how restrictions in other agreements are treated.
Check both documents and decisions
The June 2026 Welsh changes affect how applicants and contract-holders are treated. A compliant-looking agreement does not cure a discriminatory advertisement or screening process.
- Check current model terms and the amendments applying from 1 June 2026. Establish which provisions apply to the contract type before preparing a new statement.
- Remove blanket exclusions based on children or receipt of benefits from adverts, agent instructions and enquiry replies where prohibited.
- Assess the actual household's affordability and suitability using relevant evidence. Record the reason for a decision without substituting a general assumption about a group.
Review the applicant process
Trace an enquiry from advert to acceptance. Restrictions may sit in a referencing provider's settings or an agent's standard email rather than your own document.
- Ask agents what criteria they use and how they handle benefits income. Check the advert after publication.
- Give applicants a consistent opportunity to explain income, supporting evidence and any proposed guarantor. Avoid demanding a particular form of income proof when a suitable alternative exists.
- Apply lawful occupancy and safety limits to the actual property and household. Keep the relevant licence or room evidence behind an occupancy decision.
Correct a problem and keep a record
If a restriction is found, fix the process as well as the visible wording.
- Preserve what was published and record when it was corrected. Check other active listings and template replies for the same wording.
- Review affected decisions on their facts with appropriate advice where needed. Do not invent a different retrospective reason for a refusal.
- Brief anyone who handles enquiries and review a sample of later decisions to check the change is being followed.
Example: benefits income is filtered out
A fictional application form accepts only an employer's salary. An applicant with benefits and other lawful income cannot complete it accurately. Provide an alternative way to record and assess their actual income, then correct the form so later applicants face the same fair process.
What to do
- Review adverts and application criteria.
- Check your written statement against the current model and amendment guidance.
- Assess applicants consistently using relevant individual information.
Evidence to keep
- Current advert and selection criteria
- Contract version and any supplied update
Sources and guidance
- 2026 occupation contract amendments: landlord guidanceWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019Welsh Government · checked 20 October 2026