Eviction Process WalesEviction Process Wales
Follow the legal Wales possession route from RHW notices to court action and enforcement.
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Wales Has Different Terminology
Wales uses Section 173 (no-fault) and Section 178 (breach) notices under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Section 21 and Section 8 do NOT apply in Wales. The terminology is also different: tenants are "contract-holders" and tenancies are "occupation contracts".
Wales Renting Homes Act: Key Terms
The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 introduced new terminology. Understanding these terms is essential.
- Tenant
- Tenancy
- Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
- Section 21
- Section 8
- Contract-holder
- Occupation contract
- Standard occupation contract
- Section 173 notice (no-fault)
- Section 178 notice (breach)
Section 173 vs Section 178: Which to Use
Wales has two main eviction notices. Choose based on your reason for ending the occupation contract.
Section 173
No-Fault EvictionEnd the occupation contract without giving a specific reason. Similar to England's Section 21 but with stricter requirements.
Requirements:
- Cannot serve in first 6 months of occupation
- Landlord must have owned property for 6+ months
- Written statement must have been provided
Section 178
Breach/Fault-Based EvictionEnd the occupation contract due to breach, rent arrears, or antisocial behaviour. Similar to England's Section 8.
Grounds include:
- Rent arrears (2+ months for 14-day notice)
- Breach of occupation contract
- Antisocial behaviour
Pro tip: Section 178 is faster for rent arrears (14 days notice for 2+ months arrears) but Section 173 does not require you to prove a ground. Consider your circumstances carefully.
Section 173: Requirements in Detail
Section 173 has strict requirements. Missing any of these will invalidate your notice.
6-Month Notice Period
You must give at least 6 months' notice. This is significantly longer than England's 2-month Section 21.
6-Month Occupation Rule
You cannot serve a Section 173 notice in the first 6 months of the contract-holder's occupation.
6-Month Ownership Rule
You must have been the landlord of the property for at least 6 months before serving the notice.
Written Statement Provided
The contract-holder must have been given a written statement of the occupation contract within 14 days of occupation.
Earliest Section 173 Timeline
Earliest you can serve: 6 months after occupation starts. Earliest the contract-holder must leave: 12 months after occupation starts (6 months occupation + 6 months notice).
Court Process in Wales
If the contract-holder does not leave after the notice expires, apply to the County Court for a possession order.
Complete Possession Claim Forms
Use the appropriate forms for Wales. These are similar to England's forms but adapted for the Renting Homes Act.
Submit to County Court & Pay Fee
Submit your claim to the County Court covering the property. Court fees are the same as England.
Court Hearing
The court schedules a hearing. Both parties can attend. The judge reviews whether the notice was valid and requirements met.
Possession Order Granted
If successful, the court grants a possession order. If the contract-holder still refuses to leave, apply for a warrant of possession.
Recovering Rent Arrears in Wales
Rent recovery in Wales uses the County Court, similar to England.
Money Claims in Wales
Wales uses the County Court for money claims, the same as England. You can use Money Claim Online (MCOL) for claims under £100,000. However, our Money Claim Pack is currently optimised for England's specific forms and processes.
Questions About Wales Eviction?
The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is different from English law. Use our free Ask Heaven tool to get answers specific to Welsh law, Section 173, and Section 178.
Ask Heaven Free Q&AGet Your Wales Eviction Documents
Section 173 and Section 178 notices, court forms, and step-by-step instructions for Welsh landlords. Renting Homes Act compliant.
Wales Eviction: Frequently Asked Questions
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Section 173 & 178 notices, court forms, and Renting Homes Act guidance. Designed for Welsh landlords.
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For general information only. This page provides educational content about UK landlord law and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified solicitor.