Implementation of The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

The implementation of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 will bring about fundamental changes to the way landlords operate in Wales. The main purpose is to offer greater security for tenants in the Private Rented Sector.

• Implementation date 15th July 2022

Some key changes to be aware of:

• ASTs will be replaced with Occupation Contracts
• Tenants will now be called Contract Holders
• All Contract holders will have a written statement of terms
• Templates are available from WG website
• There are mandatory elements to each contract plus supplementary & additional terms that may be added (must not be detrimental to Contract Holder)
• Minimum ‘no fault’ secure tenancy of 12 months (except ASB) Þ first 6 months, a notice cannot be served Þ Then after 6 months a notice can be served.
• Section 21 will be replaced with Section 173 · Section 8 will be replaced with Section 157 · Protection against retaliatory eviction due to repair requests.
• Joint contract holders may be removed/added to the OC without the need for a new contract. · Improved succession rights e.g. when a spouse dies
• FFHH requirements –existing 29 Matters within HHSRS guidance PLUS Electrical Safe[1]ty certificates, wired and linked smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors to be fitted in all properties
• Abandoned properties can be re- possessed without court orders

Full details of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 can be found using the link: https://gov.wales/landlords-housing-law-changing-renting-homes