A North Wales estate and lettings agent is warning landlords in Wales to prepare for new anti-discrimination laws.
While the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 focuses on rental reform in England, anti-discrimination measures will be expanded into Wales.
From June 1, it will be unlawful for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective contract-holders because they have children or receive benefits.
These measures will be a criminal offence in Wales, unlike the civil enforcement regime in England with the provisions being integrated into the renamed Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019.
Enforcement of the new laws will be overseen by local authorities and prosecution through the courts.
North Wales estate and lettings agent Cavendish, which has offices in Mold and Ruthin, has been advising landlords in the run-up to the implementation of the new legislation.
Nicola Blake, Operations Director at Cavendish, said:
“While much of the focus in recent months has been on the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act in England, some of the changes are also impacting Wales.
“As of June 1, landlords in Wales will be subject to stringent anti-discrimination laws and failure to adhere to the new legislation could result in a criminal prosecution.”
As of the start of June, landlords must not:
- Deter households with children or receiving benefits from enquiring about a property
- Refuse or restrict their access to viewings or property information
- Exclude them from entering into a tenancy.
Under the new rules, landlords will need to give tenants, or contract holders, a new occupation contract or a statement of variation.
The statement can be served up to 14 days after the new rules take effect, meaning landlords must act no later than June 14.
Landlords will still be able to perform affordability checks and retain the right to determine if a property is physically inappropriate for children (e.g., a single room in an HMO), provided the decision is based on the property’s suitability rather than a blanket ban.
Nicola added:
“This is a significant change for landlords in Wales, and we are helping our clients to be ready well ahead of the deadline, completing the required paperwork and ensuring they are fully compliant.”
Later in the year, Cavendish will be holding a seminar specifically for landlords in Wales updating on legislation changes and providing advice and guidance on how to maximise the value of property portfolios. The event on Monday, October 26, will take place at the Theatr Clwyd.
