Wales now has a new renting regime.

Introducing ‘the biggest change to housing law in Wales for decades, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 came into force on 1 December.

According to the Welsh Government it ‘replaces various, complex pieces of existing legislation and case law and introduces one clear legal framework, providing contract-holders in Wales with greater security than in any other part of the UK’.

All landlords are now required to provide tenants with a written copy of the ‘occupation contract’ setting out the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
‘No-fault’ notice periods are now six months for new tenants, and, from the start of next June for all tenants. It will no longer be possible to issue a notice in the first six months of an occupation contract, meaning all contract-holders will have a minimum 12 months tenure.

Climate Change minister Julie James who was responsible for introducing the legislation, said the new act represented a complete transformation of 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’.