Renting Homes Wales Implementation and Updated Documents for use in England Only

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (‘the Act’) will come into force on 01 December 2022. As mentioned previously, this Act will have a fundamental impact on the way the private rented sector operates in Wales going forward. 

Renting Homes (Wales) Guidance

We have a number of guidance notes in Renting Homes Wales, which contain helpful summaries of the key changes for residential landlords and agents operating in Wales. Last month we mentioned that some provisions, relating to eviction notices served before 01 December 2022, were contained in draft legislation. The final legislation has now been passed and the guidance notes have been updated accordingly.

Consultation on Notice Periods for Converted Periodic Standard Contracts

The Welsh Government has published its response to the consultation mentioned in the November newsletter. It intends to amend the 2016 Act so that a six-month notice period (rather than a two-month notice period) applies to converted periodic standard contracts from 1 June 2023. The guidance notes have been updated to refer to this pending change.

Residential Landlord Documents for England

Due to the number of changes being introduced (and also to deal with simple changes to the terminology in Wales, for example, tenant will now be a contract holder and property will now be a dwelling), the Residential Landlord and Ownership Documents have been designated for use in England only. Over time, we will build up Renting Homes Wales, to assist residential landlords and agents operating in Wales. Due to the multiple changes being introduced, we have not listed the updates, but please check your account for any downloaded documents which have now been updated.