Landmark legislation setting a new framework for renting homes in Wales has received Royal Assent.
The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is the second piece of ‘made in Wales’ housing legislation following the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.
The new Act replaces the majority of current tenancies and licenses with just two types of contract, one for private rented and one for social rented housing. Landlords will be required to issue a written statement of contract setting out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. They will also be required to carry out repairs and ensure that rental properties are fit for human habitation. The Act will also help landlords recover a property in situations where a tenant abandons it.
For tenants, the Act will help protect people from being evicted simply for complaining about the condition of their home and it will also help to prevent people from being made homeless when a joint tenant leaves a tenancy.
The Act will also do more to help victims of domestic abuse by enabling the person carrying out the abuse to be targeted for eviction.
Communities minister Lesley Griffiths, said:
‘This landmark Act is set to improve the lives of the one million people in Wales who rent their home. It will ensure both landlords and those renting their homes are aware of their rights and responsibilities from the outset, and will provide additional protection against the poor practices of some landlords.
‘I would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who have helped us develop this Act, and look forward to continuing to work with them as it is implemented.’
A Bill receives Royal Assent when Letters Patent under the Welsh Seal signed with the Queen’s own hand are notified to the clerk of the Assembly. The Bill then becomes an Act of the Assembly.
First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones, as Keeper of the Welsh Seal, applied the Seal to the Letters Patent in a ceremony in Cardiff on Monday.
He said:
‘I am proud of this Government’s proven track record of using ‘made in Wales’ solutions to make Wales a better place to live. This Act will not only introduce much needed clarity and fairness into the rental sector, but also help protect some of the most vulnerable people in society.’