We’re writing to residents in early June 2026 to let them know about a change in their housing contract with us.
An amendment to the Renters Rights Act has been made which makes it illegal for a landlord to treat renters unfairly if they have children or claim benefits. This protection was already in place for Hedyn residents, but the law requires us to update resident rental contracts to reflect this legal change.
The letter and emails are called a “Notice of Variation to Occupation Contract”. Residents do not need to reply or do anything with this updated contract other than keep it safe with their other paperwork about their home.
However, we know legal letters can sometimes feel worrying. So, we’ve listed some possible questions residents could have about the letter and their rights.
Your questions answered
Why have I been sent a Notice of Variation to Occupation Contract?
The variation notice has been sent because this is a legal requirement following an amendment to the Renters Rights Act (2025).
Do I have to sign or agree to the changes?
You do not have to sign or agree to the changes. This update to your contract is a legal requirement and you do not need to do anything other than keep the variation notice safe with your other paperwork about your home.
What happens if I don’t understand the changes?
If you don’t understand something in the variation notice, you can contact us on:
- Email: hello@hedyn.wales
- Live chat
- WhatsApp: 07555 691 234
- Call: 0300 1212 345
Are my existing rights being removed or reduced?
None of your existing rights are being removed or reduced. This legal change means that you cannot be untreated unfairly because you have children or claim benefits. Hedyn already had these protections in place for residents which is why you do not need to do anything.
Why are contracts changing now (June 2026)?
The variation notice is being sent to existing residents between 1 June and 14 June 2026, which is the deadline set by the government.
Who do I contact if I think the variation notice is wrong?
If you think there is something wrong with the variation notice, you can contact us on:
- Email: hello@hedyn.wales
- Live chat
- WhatsApp: 07555 691 234
- Call: 0300 1212 345
What if my contact details are out of date?
If you need to update any of your contact details, please contact us on:
- Email: hello@hedyn.wales
- Live chat
- WhatsApp: 07555 691 234
- Call: 0300 1212 345
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
No, a landlord cannot refuse to rent a property to you because you have children. However, landlords may still have rules that limit children living at certain properties, for example in sheltered housing or extra care housing.
Do these rules apply to all types of housing schemes?
The changes apply to all occupation contracts, existing and new, with some exceptions which include:
- If following the rule would break a landlord’s insurance policy.
- If the contract is a “supported standard contract”, then landlords must not discriminate against people on benefits, but the rule about children/under 18s does not apply.
Why are children restricted in some specialist or 55+ housing?
Some properties are allocated as housing for people who are 55 years old or over, or for a specific resident group. These new changes do not alter this. Hedyn will continue to allocate these properties on this basis, whilst also taking each applicant’s individual circumstances into account.
Does this affect visitors or grandchildren staying over?
This does not change anything in relation to your visitors and grandchildren.