The Renting Homes Act is the biggest change to housing law in Wales for decades. From 1st December 2022 the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 will change the way all landlords in Wales rent their properties. It will improve how you rent, manage, and live in rented homes in Wales.
What is the Renting Homes Act Wales?
The way you rent is changing for all tenants and landlords in Wales.
In 2016 the Senedd passed the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Its aim is to make it clearer and easier for tenants and landlords to rent a home in Wales.
The Act brings in many changes to tenancy laws and will apply to:
- All tenants – private and social.
- All Landlords – private and social.
When will it happen?
This will happen from 1st December 2022.
What is the purpose of the Renting Homes Act?
- Makes contracts clearer and makes sure the condition of rental homes in Wales are kept to a high standard.
- Gives more security and certainty to tenants and landlords.
What does it mean for me as a tenant?
- It will improve your rights and make them clearer.
- It will improve how landlords manage rented homes in Wales.
What do I need to do?
- All existing tenants will be sent a contract within six months from the 1st December 2022 replacing your Tenancy Agreement.
- From the 1st December 2022., tenants will be known as contract holders. They will sign a new contract in the usual way and will be sent their copy within 14 days.
- You will need to read your new contract and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Will it cost me more money or affect my rent?
- This will not cost you any money or affect your rent.
Why is it happening?
- To make it easier and clearer for landlords and tenants to rent a home in Wales.
- The contracts will give you more security and certainty.
What is changing?
- Tenancy Agreements will be replaced with Occupation Contracts.
- All properties must be safe. For example, homes must have working smoke alarms, annual gas checks and electrical tests every five years .
- A fair and consistent approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour.
- Increased Succession rights. This means the right to pass on your home when you pass away.
- Contract holders (currently called tenants) can be added or removed without the need to end the contract.
- Landlords will be able to repossess abandoned properties without a court order.
For more information on the Renting Homes Act Wales visit https://gov.wales/housing-law-changing-renting-homes