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The Wales provisions in the Renters' Rights Act 2025 are now in force as of 1 June 2026. Landlords and agents with existing occupation contracts in Wales can now send the discrimination variation statement.
The change affects occupation contracts in Wales because the Renters' Rights Act 2025 inserts new fundamental terms into existing and new occupation contracts. Those terms deal with children living at or visiting the dwelling and benefits claimants. The provisions are brought into force in Wales from 1 June 2026 by the commencement order.
For existing occupation contracts, the contract terms are varied by enactment. That means a written statement of variation is needed so the contract-holder has an updated written record of the terms that now apply.
Subscribers can download a completed statement here: Wales Discrimination Variation Statement PDF.
This is for landlords and agents with existing occupation contracts in Wales. It is not a general variation form for ordinary agreed changes between the landlord and contract-holder.
The document records the statutory variation and includes the relevant commencement date and the new terms about children living at or visiting the dwelling and benefits claimants.
The statement is not a prescribed form, so it does not need to be personalised with the landlord's name, contract-holder's name or dwelling address. If you want a personalised version, you can create one in Other Forms in Tenancy Builder and manually enter the details.
For new Welsh occupation contracts, the Guild templates have already been updated.
For one or two contracts, it will usually be straightforward to download the PDF and serve it in the usual way under the contract's service provisions. Keep a copy of what was sent and when.
For larger Welsh portfolios, Tenancy Manager Email Campaigns can make the process quicker and provide useful evidence. You can attach the PDF, send to up to 200 recipients at a time, and download delivery reports showing what was sent and when. Our separate guide explains how to serve Wales variation statements in Tenancy Manager.
The variation statement is only one part of the change. From today, landlords and agents in Wales must also avoid blanket policies and wording that prevent or discourage someone from an occupation contract because a child would live with or visit them, or because they are or may be a benefits claimant.
That means no "no children", "no DSS" or "no benefits" policies in adverts, initial enquiries, viewing processes or application handling. Landlords can still assess applicants properly on their individual circumstances, affordability, references and whether the property is suitable. What the law targets is a blanket restriction based on children's or benefits status.
If you have not already done so, update adverts, website wording, application forms, staff scripts and any standard replies used by agents or administrators. See our fuller guide to the Wales ban on no children and no benefits lettings for the wider letting-process changes.
Download the statement, identify your existing Welsh occupation contracts, serve the PDF, and retain evidence of service.
There is no need to hold back now that the commencement date has arrived. The Wales provisions are in force from today, and the variation statement can be sent.