What has been billed as the bigger change ever to housing law in Wales comes into force today and is described by its political architect as a transformation of the private rental sector.
A statement from the Welsh Government claims that the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 “improves how homes in Wales are rented, managed and lived in.”
It replaces various past pieces of existing legislation and case law and introduces one legal framework, turning tenants into ‘contract-holders’ and - according to the politicians behind it - giving renters in Wales greater security than in any other part of the UK.
Some of the main changes introduced from today include:
- All landlords being required to provide a written copy of the occupation contract to the tenant (this sets out the rights and responsibilities of both parties);
- Section 21 notice periods increasing from two months to six months for new tenants, and for existing tenants from Thursday, June 1. It will no longer be possible to issue a notice in the first six months, meaning all contract-holders will have a minimum 12 months of security at the start of their tenancy;
- A strengthened duty on landlords, to ensure the property they rent is fit for human habitation including the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and regular electrical safety testing;
- Ending what the politicians call 'retaliatory eviction' whereby a landlord serves notice on a tenant because they ask for repairs or complain about poor conditions; and
- The introduction of a consistent approach across sectors to eviction where antisocial behaviour and domestic violence, occurs.
Climate Change and Housing Minister, Labour’s Julie James says: “This is a momentous moment as we completely transform the rented sector in Wales.
“A decent, safe and secure home is fundamental to people’s wellbeing. These changes will provide tenants with greater protection from eviction and ensure their home is safe to live in.
“At the same time, landlords will benefit from greater clarity in the law and the ability to repossess abandoned properties more quickly.
“As we build a stronger, greener and more prosperous Wales, I would like to thank all those who have joined us on this journey to making renting simpler and fairer.”
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Quite right, completely transformed renting in Wales. I am selling up all my Welsh properties. One tenant on an S21 notice has failed to leave and continues to occupy my property. The position is quite amicable between us as the reason they have not left is there is nothing available to rent, so they continue to pay their rent stay on until I evict them and they become the concil's responsibility. Congratulations Rent Smart Wales for destroying BTL in Wales.
William, very good you got so called rent smart Wales. We have got Mr Michael Gove Rent Stupid White Paper and Removal of Section 21 which also means Removing 1’000’000, Tenants by Eviction because it so unfair and unacceptable to The Owners.
Strangely he is still in the job having been previously sacked by The Prime Minister for back stabbing so to speak.
I read briefly yesterday he also had to be sacked by David Cameron when in education because of internal feuds and backstabbing.
Ok Politicians would you like them all served now, or are you creating a situation causing this to happen. Then you’ll be back again with another ban caused by the first, then hail yourselves in greatness
Can the last Welsh landlord in the PRS please turn off the light on his way out.
R.I.P PRS Wales.
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