Renting Homes (Amendments) (Wales)
5 things you need to know about the changes
1) There is a small team within WG working implementing the amendments suggested in the Bill. The main amendment is the increase to S.21 (S.173 in RHA) from 2 months to 6 months. Other amendments are to simply ensure corrupt landlords don’t find ways around that. The minimum time tenants can be in a home will be 12 months once the act is implemented
2) The Ministers hoped it would be implemented by August 2021 but it is now delayed until April 2022. This is due to the impact of the pandemic
3) The Bill is currently at Stage 2 which means it is being given detailed consideration by a committee. It should move to Stage 3 in January where detailed consideration is given by the Senedd. Stage 4 is the passing of the Bill in Plenary by the Senedd when it will then receive Royal Assent. Welsh Government tell us that this should happen before the next Welsh Parliament elections (May 2021)
4) Following the Bill passing through, there will be a period of up to 12 months which includes a 6-month pre notice period which was previously promised to landlords
5) There will be a consultation on model contracts before the next Welsh Parliament elections
Next steps
We will continue to update you and we will look to discuss the model contracts with you when the consultation is launched.
What this means for tenants
The suggested amendments to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, 2016 will give tenants a minimum of 12 months in their homes. Instead of being called tenants, residents, customers; tenants will be known as ‘contract holders'. Tenants will not need to sign a new contract as it will automatically transfer over.