Form RHW15: Notice of Temporary Exclusion (Supported Standard Contract)

What is Form RHW15?

Form RHW15 is an official legal document under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. It allows landlords operating supported accommodation to temporarily exclude a tenant—called a contract-holder—from their dwelling for up to 48 hours.

Unlike an eviction, it is a protective measure intended to maintain the safety and well-being of all residents in supported housing.

Supported accommodation typically houses vulnerable individuals needing ongoing assistance, such as those facing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance misuse issues, or learning disabilities.

In these settings, maintaining safety while supporting residents is crucial. Form RHW15 exists to manage serious incidents without permanently removing someone from their home.

This temporary exclusion measure is only used in specific, exceptional circumstances. It is designed to deal with serious situations like violence or behaviour that creates significant risk to others.

By offering a short-term exclusion, landlords can prevent harm, manage conflicts, and preserve a supportive environment while fulfilling their legal and ethical responsibilities to all residents.

When Should Welsh Landlords Use Form RHW15?

Form RHW15 is only for use in supported standard contracts, not general tenancies. After six months of continuous support services in a property, a contract-holder’s agreement becomes a supported standard contract. This reflects their ongoing need for assistance.

Community landlords and registered charities operating supported housing can use Form RHW15 when:

• The contract holder has behaved violently toward another resident or staff member.
• The contract holder has created a significant risk of harm within the property.
• Their behaviour has severely disrupted the ability of other residents to access support.

It is important to note that private landlords cannot use this form—it is reserved for those with a duty to manage supported accommodation responsibly.

Key Legal Requirements for Using Form RHW15

Landlords must adhere strictly to the law when issuing a temporary exclusion. Some of the key requirements include:

• The exclusion period must be clearly stated and cannot exceed 48 hours.
• A contract holder can be excluded no more than three times in any six-month period.
• The landlord must provide the notice in person at the moment of exclusion or as soon as reasonably practicable afterwards.
• Landlords must specify the exact reasons for the exclusion on the form, including details about the behaviour that led to it.
• The landlord must confirm whether this is the first, second, or third exclusion in the six-month period, with details of any previous exclusions.

Landlords must also ensure the excluded contract-holder receives clear information about accessing homelessness advice services and local support, ensuring they are not left without shelter during the exclusion.

Why Form RHW15 Matters

The aim of Form RHW15 is to balance the rights of the excluded individual with the safety of the wider community in supported housing.

Supported housing exists to help vulnerable people stabilize their lives and build skills for independent living. However, landlords have a duty to ensure this environment is safe and supportive for everyone.

Serious incidents of violence or behaviour that risks harm threaten this balance and can undermine the safety of other residents and staff.

Temporary exclusion offers a short-term solution to prevent harm without resorting to eviction. It gives everyone space to calm down and consider the next steps while protecting the wider community.

Importantly, it also provides a framework for landlords to reflect on what happened and identify better strategies for supporting the residents.

The Role of a Temporary Exclusion Policy

All landlords using Form RHW15 must have a clear Temporary Exclusion Policy. This policy should:

• Define what behaviours may lead to exclusion.
• Explain the process for issuing a Form RHW15 notice.
• Outline how landlords will support excluded residents, including information about alternative accommodation and homelessness advice.
• Detail the requirement for a review meeting within 14 days of the exclusion.

Landlords should make this policy accessible to all residents and staff so everyone understands their rights and responsibilities.

Review Meeting Within 14 Days

A key safeguard built into the use of Form RHW15 is the mandatory review meeting, which must take place within 14 days of the exclusion.

The review meeting is an opportunity for landlords, residents, and support staff to:

• Review the incident that led to the exclusion.
• Assess whether the exclusion was appropriate and proportionate.
• Consider how to prevent similar issues in future.
• Review and update support plans for the contract holder.

This process ensures accountability and fairness while supporting the resident to maintain their tenancy in the long term.

Supporting Excluded Residents

Even during a temporary exclusion, landlords have a duty to support the contract holder. This includes:

• Providing clear information about where to find homelessness advice and support services.
• Signposting local hostels, shelters, or emergency accommodation.
• Ensuring the information is accessible and understandable, considering the resident’s literacy, language, or communication needs.

Landlords often work in partnership with local authorities, charities, and housing organizations to ensure that excluded residents are not left without safe accommodation options.

Completing Form RHW15

Form RHW15 is a standardized, government-issued document with specific sections that must be completed accurately. These include:

• The landlord’s name and address.
• The contract holder’s name and address.
• The precise period of the exclusion.
• The legal reason for the exclusion (e.g. violence or risk of harm).
• Whether this is the first, second, or third exclusion in the six-month period, with details of any previous exclusions.

Using the correct, prescribed form is mandatory. Landlords cannot substitute a letter or other informal notice. This ensures the process is formal, transparent, and consistent across Wales.

Protecting Residents’ Rights

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 aims to create secure, safe, and suitable housing for all. While Form RHW15 allows landlords to manage safety in supported accommodation, it also includes safeguards to protect residents’ rights.

For example:

• Exclusions are limited to 48 hours.
• They cannot happen more than three times in six months.
• A review meeting must be held within 14 days.
• Landlords must have an exclusion policy in place.
• Residents must be given clear, accessible information about alternative housing and support.

These safeguards ensure that exclusions are genuinely necessary, proportionate, and fair.

Ethical Use of Form RHW15

Landlords have a moral as well as a legal responsibility when using Form RHW15. Many people in supported accommodation have experienced trauma, and the threat of exclusion can be distressing. Landlords should always:

• Use exclusions only when absolutely necessary to prevent harm.
• Ensure excluded residents have safe alternative options.
• Approach exclusions with sensitivity and respect.
• Use the review process constructively to support residents in maintaining their tenancy.

By following best practices, landlords can maintain a safe environment for all residents while respecting the dignity and rights of those they serve.

Training and Preparation for Landlords

Landlords managing supported accommodation must ensure all staff understand how and when to use Form RHW15. Training should cover:

• Recognising situations where exclusion may be appropriate.
• Completing Form RHW15 correctly.
• Delivering the notice in person where required.
• Supporting excluded residents with advice and referrals.
• Conducting the review meeting fairly and constructively.

Clear, well-communicated policies and procedures reduce the likelihood of incidents escalating to the point of exclusion and ensure that when exclusions do happen, they are managed properly.

Summary

Form RHW15 is a vital tool for managing safety in supported housing. It provides landlords with a structured, legally regulated way to respond to serious incidents while protecting the rights of vulnerable tenants.

By using Form RHW15 properly, landlords can:

• Prevent harm to residents and staff.
• Preserve the supportive environment of shared housing.
• Uphold residents’ rights and dignity.
• Ensure excluded residents have access to alternative accommodation and support.
• Use review meetings to improve support plans and prevent future problems.

Ultimately, Form RHW15 represents a careful balance of safety, support, and fairness in the management of supported accommodation in Wales.

FAQ

What is a supported standard contract?

A supported standard contract is a type of occupation contract under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. It applies after six months of continuous support services in supported accommodation and recognizes the need for ongoing help while providing clear rights and responsibilities.

When can Form RHW15 be used?

Form RHW15 can only be used in supported accommodation by community landlords or registered charities. It is used when a resident’s behaviour poses an immediate and serious risk, such as violence or threats of harm.

How long can someone be excluded with Form RHW15?

A contract holder can be excluded for up to 48 hours. No more than three exclusions are allowed in any six-month period.

Does Form RHW15 mean eviction?

No. It is a temporary exclusion intended to manage immediate risks. It does not end the tenancy or contract.

What happens after an exclusion?

Landlords must hold a review meeting within 14 days. This meeting considers the incident, assesses whether the exclusion was appropriate, and plans support to prevent future issues.

What support must landlords offer excluded residents?

Landlords must provide clear information about accessing homelessness advice and alternative accommodation, ensuring the resident is not left without safe shelter during the exclusion.

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