Form RHW2: Notice of Landlord’s Address in Wales – What It Is and When to Use It
Landlords in Wales are subject to specific legal obligations under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and related regulations. Among these is the requirement to notify contract-holders (tenants) of the landlord’s address for service of documents and communication.
This requirement is formalized through Form RHW2: Notice of landlord’s address, issued by Rent Smart Wales.
Understanding what Form RHW2 is, when it must be used, and how it fits into the broader legal framework is essential for landlords who wish to remain compliant, avoid penalties, and ensure their tenancies run smoothly.
This article will provide a detailed explanation of Form RHW2, its purpose, when and how landlords in Wales should use it, and answer frequently asked questions about its practical use.
What is Form RHW2?
Form RHW2 is a statutory notice provided by Rent Smart Wales for landlords in Wales to formally notify their contract-holders (tenants) of the landlord’s address.
Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords have a legal duty to provide a written statement of their address. This address is where tenants can serve legal notices or communications relating to the tenancy.
The form itself is a standardized, structured document designed to make it easy for landlords to meet their legal obligations. It ensures all necessary details are included, reducing the risk of omissions that might otherwise lead to disputes or enforcement action.
Rent Smart Wales publishes the RHW2 form on its website. While landlords can provide the required address in other written forms if they choose, using the official RHW2 template is the recommended approach because it aligns with legislation and Rent Smart Wales guidance.
Why is Form RHW2 Important?
Providing a landlord’s address is not just good practice; it is a legal requirement.
The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 places a duty on landlords to give tenants an address for service. This ensures that tenants know how to contact their landlord formally—for example, if they need to give notice, raise complaints, or begin legal proceedings.
Failure to provide the address in the prescribed form can have consequences. In some cases, landlords who fail to comply may not be able to enforce certain rights, such as recovering possession of the property through court.
Providing the address also promotes transparency and trust. It shows tenants that the landlord is professional and willing to comply with legal requirements, supporting a healthier landlord-tenant relationship.
When Should Welsh Landlords Use Form RHW2?
Landlords in Wales should use Form RHW2 at key points in the lifecycle of an occupation contract (the term used under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act for what would traditionally be called a tenancy agreement).
The main circumstances in which a landlord should serve Form RHW2 include:
When a new occupation contract is granted
When there is a change of landlord (for example, if the property is sold and the new owner becomes the landlord)
When the landlord’s address for service changes (for instance, if the landlord moves or appoints a new agent)
Essentially, any time the landlord’s address for service changes or needs to be provided to a new contract-holder, the RHW2 notice should be issued.
This obligation exists from the start of the tenancy. Ideally, the address is provided alongside the written statement of the occupation contract (which itself is legally required).
Who Should Receive Form RHW2?
Form RHW2 must be given to the contract-holder, that is, the person or people renting the property under an occupation contract.
If there are joint contract-holders, each should receive a copy of the notice.
This ensures all parties have clear, formal knowledge of the landlord’s address and can communicate with the landlord appropriately.
How to Complete Form RHW2
Rent Smart Wales provides a standard form template that landlords can download.
Typically, Form RHW2 will ask for:
Landlord’s full name
Address for service of documents (which can be the landlord’s home or the address of an agent acting on the landlord’s behalf)
Details of the property the notice relates to (address of the rented property)
Date of the notice
Signature of the landlord or agent
Landlords must ensure the information is accurate and up to date.
If the landlord uses an agent, they can provide the agent’s address instead of their own. This is often preferable for landlords who live abroad or who want to streamline communications through their property management company.
How to Serve Form RHW2
Service of Form RHW2 must comply with the requirements in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
Typically, landlords can serve the notice:
By hand delivery to the contract-holder
By post to the property being let (as tenants are presumed to reside there)
By any other method agreed with the contract-holder (e.g. email, if the parties have agreed that notices may be served electronically)
Proof of service is important. Landlords should keep copies of the completed RHW2 form and any evidence of delivery (for example, posting receipts, signed acknowledgments, or agreed email correspondence).
Consequences of Failing to Provide Form RHW2
Failing to provide the landlord’s address is not a trivial oversight.
Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords who fail to comply with their duty to provide an address for service may lose the ability to enforce certain contractual terms or take certain legal actions.
For example, courts might refuse to grant possession orders if the landlord has not fulfilled their obligations.
Additionally, failure to comply can undermine a landlord’s reputation and increase the risk of disputes or complaints to Rent Smart Wales or the local authority.
Best Practice for Landlords
Welsh landlords should treat Form RHW2 as a core part of their compliance process.
Best practices include:
Always issuing RHW2 when granting a new occupation contract
Keeping copies of the completed notice and proof of service
Updating the address with a new RHW2 if the landlord’s address changes
Using professional agents who understand and manage compliance
By treating Form RHW2 seriously, landlords can avoid costly legal problems and ensure their letting business is run professionally and legally.
Form RHW2 and Property Agents
Many landlords in Wales appoint agents to manage their properties. In these cases, the agent’s address can be used on Form RHW2 as the address for service.
This is particularly helpful for landlords who live outside Wales or the UK. By appointing an agent in Wales, they can ensure tenants always have a reliable local address to use for formal communication.
If an agent is appointed after the start of the occupation contract, landlords should issue an updated RHW2 to notify tenants of the new address.
Form RHW2 in the Context of Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
Form RHW2 is not an isolated requirement but part of a much broader framework under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
This Act introduced sweeping changes to the way residential tenancies operate in Wales. For example, it replaced old-style assured shorthold tenancies with occupation contracts, mandated written statements of contract terms, and introduced strict repair and fitness standards.
Providing the landlord’s address via RHW2 fits into this framework of transparency, accountability, and tenant rights.
By ensuring tenants know how to contact landlords formally, the legislation promotes better dispute resolution, clearer communication, and fairer renting practices.
Penalties and Enforcement
While there is no set “fine” for failing to use Form RHW2 specifically, non-compliance with the duty to provide an address for service can lead to significant problems.
For example, landlords may be barred from enforcing certain rights in court. Local authorities and Rent Smart Wales also have powers to investigate and take enforcement action against landlords who breach their obligations under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act.
Therefore, landlords should treat RHW2 compliance as essential, not optional.
FAQs
What exactly is Form RHW2?
Form RHW2 is the official notice published by Rent Smart Wales for landlords to notify their contract-holders of the landlord’s address for service of documents and formal communication.
Is it legally required to use Form RHW2?
The law requires landlords to provide their address in writing to tenants. Using RHW2 is the easiest way to comply because it ensures all necessary details are covered. While landlords can technically provide the information in another written form, the RHW2 template is strongly recommended.
When do I need to serve Form RHW2?
You need to serve it at the start of any new occupation contract, when there is a change of landlord, or if the landlord’s address for service changes.
Can I use my agent’s address on Form RHW2?
Yes. If you use a letting agent or property manager, you can list their address as the address for service. This is often preferable, especially for landlords who live outside Wales.
What happens if I don’t serve Form RHW2?
Failing to provide an address for service can prevent you from enforcing certain rights, such as applying to court for possession. It can also lead to complaints to Rent Smart Wales or your local council.
How do I serve Form RHW2 to tenants?
You can deliver it by hand, post it to the rented property address, or use another method agreed with the tenant (such as email). Always keep a copy and evidence of service.
Does Form RHW2 replace other legal requirements?
No. You still need to provide tenants with the written statement of the occupation contract and comply with all other legal duties under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act.
Where can I find Form RHW2?
Form RHW2 is available from Rent Smart Wales’ website. It is freely downloadable and easy to complete.
Do joint contract-holders each need a copy?
Yes. If there is more than one contract-holder, you should provide a copy of the notice to each of them.
Can I update Form RHW2 later?
Yes. If the landlord’s address changes (for example, you appoint a new agent or move yourself), you must issue a new RHW2 with the updated details.
Useful Links
Rent Smart Wales (for official forms and guidance)
Welsh Government Renting Homes guidance
Citizens Advice (tenant and landlord support)
Local authority housing enforcement teams
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