New anti-discrimination protections have come into force in Wales as of 1st June. While Wales already operates under the framework of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, the latest amendments strengthen the rights of tenants who have children or receive welfare benefits. William Watkins, Partner in our Commercial Litigation team, explains the changes and looks at what Landlords need to do.
Ending “No Children” and “No DSS” Policies
The most significant change is the introduction of two new fundamental terms into most occupation contracts under Welsh housing law.
From 1 June 2026, landlords must not:
- Prevent tenants from claiming welfare benefits.
- Impose blanket bans on children living in or visiting a rented property.
These provisions are intended to eliminate practices commonly known as “No DSS” and “No Children” policies, which have historically restricted access to housing for families and lower-income households. The amendments create statutory protections within occupation contracts, meaning any incompatible contract terms are generally unenforceable.
Children’s Rights in Occupation Contracts
A new provision gives contract-holders the right to allow people under 18 to live in or visit their home. Landlords may only interfere with this right where they can demonstrate that the restriction is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
In practical terms, this means landlords cannot simply refuse a tenancy because an applicant has children. Any restriction must be objectively justified rather than based on a blanket policy.
Protection for Benefit Claimants
The second new provision prevents landlords from prohibiting tenants from receiving welfare benefits. This change directly addresses long-standing concerns about discrimination against households that rely on housing support or other benefits.
As a result, landlords and letting agents in Wales should no longer advertise or operate policies excluding applicants solely because they are benefit claimants.
What Landlords Need to Do
The changes apply to most secure, fixed-term standard and periodic standard occupation contracts. Landlords are required to notify existing contract-holders of the new terms and provide updated written statements or notices of variation by 14 June 2026.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 reforms represent a targeted but significant step in improving access to housing in Wales. Rather than overhauling the Welsh private rented sector, the changes focus on reducing discrimination and ensuring that families with children and people receiving benefits are not unfairly excluded from rented accommodation. Together with the wider protections already introduced by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, these measures reinforce Wales’ approach to creating a fairer and more secure rental market.
How can we help?
At Harding Evans we have a specialist team to assist landlords, whether that is preparing and reviewing contracts, adding to your portfolio, assisting with disputes or transferring your properties into trusts.
Please get in touch with the team today.
