Eviction Process in Wales
We provide specialist legal support for landlords dealing with standard occupation
contracts in Wales — including help with possession notices, court proceedings, and bailiff
enforcement. Our team ensures full compliance with both legacy (Section 8/21) and current Welsh law
frameworks.
Important: Welsh Law Changed in December 2022
If you're a landlord in Wales facing rent arrears, tenancy breaches or seeking
possession, you must follow the correct legal process under Welsh housing law.
Eviction laws in Wales changed significantly under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act
2016, which came fully into force on 1 December 2022.
Are Section 8 and Section 21 notices still valid in Wales?
Only for tenancy agreements signed before 1 December 2022 - all new tenancies use the Welsh system.
If your tenancy began before 1 December 2022, you may still need to use the older
Section 8 or Section 21 processes under the Housing Act 1988. However, these tenancies must be converted
to occupation contracts under Welsh law. For all new tenancies since 2022, landlords in
Wales must use the new Welsh notice system under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
Key Changes in Wales:
- Section 21 replaced by Section 173 notices
- Section 8 replaced by Section 182 notices
- Legacy tenancies must be converted to occupation contracts
- New compliance requirements including model written statements
Welsh Eviction Notice Types
6 months minimum notice period required
Cannot serve within first 6 months of tenancy
No fault or reason needed from landlord
Ends periodic occupation contracts only
14 days for serious rent arrears
Immediate notice for antisocial behaviour
30 days for other contract breaches
Requires written explanation of breach
Section 173 (No-Fault Notice to End Contract)
Section 173 is Wales' replacement for Section 21 and allows landlords to end a periodic
occupation contract without needing to prove fault. However, the notice periods are significantly longer
than English law. You must wait 6 months from the start of the tenancy to serve the
notice, then the tenant has 6 months to vacate. This effectively means no eviction
without fault within the first 12 months of a tenancy in Wales.
How much notice do I have to give under Section 173?
You must give at least 6 months' notice, and cannot serve within the first 6 months of tenancy.
Section 173 Requirements:
- Cannot serve within first 6 months of occupation contract
- Minimum 6 months notice to contract-holder
- Must comply with deposit protection and EPC requirements
- Model written statement must be provided
- Periodic contracts only - cannot end fixed-term contracts early
Section 182 For Contract Breaches (Equivalent to Section
8)
In Wales, there are no specific numbered "grounds" like English Section 8. Instead, the
landlord must provide evidence of the breach and follow the correct notice period. Section 182
covers all contract breaches including rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, property damage,
or failure to care for the property. The notice period varies depending on the severity of the breach.
What are the legal grounds for a Section 182 eviction in Wales?
Section 182 can be used for serious rent arrears, nuisance, damage, or any breach of the occupation
contract.
Section 182 Notice Periods:
- 14 days notice for serious rent arrears
- Immediate notice (0 days) for antisocial behaviour or criminal damage
- 30 days notice for other contract breaches
- Written explanation of breach must be provided
- Compliance required with deposit protection, EPC, and model statement
What's the legal process to evict a tenant in Wales?
It involves issuing a valid notice, waiting for the notice period, applying to court, and enforcement if
necessary.
The Welsh eviction process follows five clear steps under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act
2016. Each step has specific legal requirements and timescales that must be followed precisely to avoid
delays or case dismissal. Our Welsh legal team ensures full compliance at every stage.
1
Issue Correct Notice
Use Section 173 (no-fault) or Section 182 (breach-based) depending on the contract
type and situation. Ensure all compliance requirements are met.
2
Wait Out Notice Period
Minimum of 6 months (no-fault) or 14–30 days (breach-based). Contract-holder has this
time to vacate or remedy the breach.
3
Court Application
If the tenant refuses to leave, apply to the County Court for a possession order
under Welsh procedures.
4
Possession Order Granted
If unopposed and valid, the court grants possession. May be accelerated if no hearing
needed.
5
Bailiff Enforcement
Apply for a warrant for bailiffs to remove the tenant if they still remain after the
possession order.
What's the difference between English and Welsh eviction
laws?
Wales has replaced Section 8/21 with new contract-based notices and requires longer notice periods with
stricter compliance rules.
Landlords must understand the Renting Homes (Wales) Act represents a fundamental shift
from English housing law. Unlike England, Wales uses occupation contracts instead of
tenancies, requires significantly longer notice periods for no-fault evictions, and demands
compliance with strict documentation rules including model written statements. Our specialist
Welsh solicitors help ensure you serve the right notice under the right law, avoiding
costly delays and case dismissal.
Key Differences from English Law:
- Contracts not Tenancies: Standard occupation contracts replace ASTs
- Longer Notice Periods: 6 months minimum for no-fault vs 2 months in England
- No Early No-Fault: Cannot evict without fault in first 12 months
- Model Statement Required: Written statement of contract terms mandatory
- Different Court Procedures: Welsh-specific possession procedures
Areas We Cover
Our team provides eviction and housing legal services for landlords, tenants, and agents across
England and Wales. Whether you’re based in a major city or a surrounding town, we are
here to help with
fast, reliable, and court-compliant support.
- London
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Sheffield
- Bristol
- Nottingham
- Newcastle
- Cardiff
- Swansea
- Leicester
- Southampton
- Coventry
- All surrounding areas
Even if your area is not listed above, we operate nationwide across England and Wales.
Contact us today and we’ll confirm how quickly we can assist you.
Expert Tip for Welsh Landlords
Always check whether your tenancy has been converted to a standard occupation contract
under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. If not, legacy Section 8/21 rules may still apply, but
conversion will be required eventually. Our team can help determine which legal framework applies to
your specific situation.
Legal Support for Eviction in Wales– Fixed-Fee Packages Available
Looking for eviction support in Wales? We offer a range of clear, fixed-fee legal
packages designed to make the eviction process straightforward and affordable for landlords across
Wales.
£100
+ VAT Starting Price
Whether you need help drafting the notice or full court representation, our solicitors are here to
support you from start to finish.
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Have Questions or Need Legal Help?
If you need personalised advice or support with an eviction case, our specialist
solicitors are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation and fixed-fee service
options.