Implementation of Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 Delayed

The Welsh Government has announced that it will be delaying the implementation of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act until 1st December 2022. Julie James, Climate Change Minister, published a statement confirming that the implementation date has been delayed at the request of both social and private landlords. The full statement can be found here.

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 will significantly alter the landscape of renting in Wales for both private and public sector landlords and tenants. The Act introduces a separate, self-contained legal framework radically different to the legal framework that currently applies to both England and Wales. The Act ends the current assured and assured shorthold tenancy system and nearly all tenancies and licences will be replaced with occupation contracts.

Landlords will be required to provide their tenants with a written statement of the occupation contract terms (formerly the tenancy agreement) which sets out the rights and obligations of the landlord and the tenant (now called the contract holder). Landlords will also be required to ensure that properties meet the minimum prescribed standards to be considered fit for human habitation.

The delay to the implementation date will provide landlords with additional time to prepare to comply with the various new requirements set out in the Act.

If you are a landlord with property in Wales, you will be affected by the Act and it is important to take advantage of this welcome delay to adequately prepare for the changes ahead. If you are unsure how the Act will affect you and require some guidance, do not hesitate to contact our Landlord and Tenant team on 02920 808666, or via email at [email protected]