The rental legislation in Wales has changed, are you still compliant?
29/12/2022
The rental legislation in Wales has changed, are you still compliant? 
If you are unsure what this means for you, or would like further advice please contact Smart Lettings today. Whether you are self-managing your property, on the market with another agent or letting with Smart Lettings already, we are here to help and guide you
The Renting Homes (Amendment) (Wales) Bill came into force on 1st December 2022, implementing a number of rule changes to the way properties are let in Wales, including the introduction of new standard Occupation Contracts which replace the old Tenancy Agreement.
All Landlords and Agents with properties in Wales are affected by these changes.
Some of the key changes to be aware of are:
• Occupation Contracts – all tenancy agreements have been automatically converted to Occupation Contracts and tenants have become ‘contract holders’. Any new agreements created from the revised implementation date of 1st December 2022 must be Occupation Contracts and will need to adhere to be new Welsh Government’s prescribed format.
• Written Statement - you will have six months from the implementation date of the act to issue a new ‘written statement’ of occupation to all existing tenants/ contract holders to successfully convert them to Occupation Contracts.
• Contract Termination – it makes permanent the requirement to serve notice for a period of six months, where there is no breach by the contract holder, and this cannot be served until after month six. Break clauses will also only be permitted in agreements of 2 years or more and won’t be exercisable within the first 18 months.
• Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH)– properties will only be allowed to be let and rent payable if they are considered ‘FFHH’. This includes having a satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report, known as an EICR, a mains wired, interlinked smoke alarm system and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliance, including gas boilers.
Here at Smart Lettings we have already carried out the conversion of our Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements to the New Occupation Contracts, ensuing compliance for landlords well ahead of time.
If you are unsure what this means for you, or would like further advice please contact Smart Lettings on 01656 657033 or by emailing info@smart-lettings.co.uk
Whether you are self-managing you property, on the market with another agent or letting with Smart Lettings already, we are here to help and guide you.
If you are unsure what this means for you, or would like further advice please contact Smart Lettings on 01656 657033 or by emailing info@smart-lettings.co.uk
Whether you are self-managing you property, on the market with another agent or letting with Smart Lettings already, we are here to help and guide you.
