Minimum notice period will be extended from two to six months
The Renting Homes (Amendment) (Wales) Bill will provide improved clarity on landlord and tenant responsibilities, helping to avoid disagreements and difficulties.
The changes mean that from spring 2022, rental contracts in Wales will change so that:
Tenants will have the security and stability of a minimum 12 month contract;
Minimum notice periods will be extended from two to six months in the case of “no fault evictions” – with landlords only able to serve notice six months after tenants have moved in;
Rental contracts will be simplified and standardised with model contracts available;
Although the notice period that landlords have to give will be longer, they will still be able to seek to repossess their property if a tenant is in breach of contract.
Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James said: “This law will make renting a home in Wales fair, simple and efficient, and it will directly affect the lives of the one in three people who rent a home in Wales.
“Thanks to our efforts, tenants will have greater peace of mind when renting. Everyone has the right to feel secure in their own home and to be able to plan for the future.
“There will also be clear benefits for landlords. Clearer and easier to understand contracts will reduce disputes and legal costs and the new regime will provide a better way for landlords to deal with abandoned properties.”
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Any case law of eviction prejudice against landlords?
Member Since September 2016 - Comments: 2533 - Articles: 73
10:41 AM, 25th February 2021, About 5 years ago
What about all the tenants who don’t want minimum 12 month contracts? Many don’t want to commit for that long.
Also, does the Welsh Government not realise that giving tenants 12 months’ ‘security’ will just tighten landlords’ resolve to only house tenants with guarantors, great credit histories and excellent landlord references? (in case they are people who behave in difficult ways but which fall short of criminal behaviour)
In essence, these types of ignorant one-size fits all government interventions mean the poorer sections of society will be left out in the cold. In my own life, I never could have got a guarantor, so where would I have lived in my 20s when I went to work in London? How can people take up jobs in other areas if they can’t get a private home to rent? This will effect class discrimination. And coming from a Labour Government. You couldn’t make it up.
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
10:44 AM, 25th February 2021, About 5 years ago
No surprise this was always on the cards brought in via the back door with Covid.
I suppose some good news that Section 21 remains albeit with 6 months notice now.
I find this interesting “rental contracts will be simplified and standardised with model contracts available”. Does this mean that these model contracts (presumably AST’s) are voluntary ? Surely they’re not removing the ability for a landlord to write their own contract ?
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
10:48 AM, 25th February 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Dr Rosalind Beck at 25/02/2021 – 10:41
I suppose the 12 month contract could be written with a break clause so the tenant can leave after say 6 months. (Assuming we can still use our own AST’s).
Member Since September 2019 - Comments: 251
11:00 AM, 25th February 2021, About 5 years ago
The way I read this is that there is nothing stopping you or the tenant having a 6 month contract. Just that you cannot issue a Section 21 until 6 months in.
If the tenant wants to leave after 6 months, there is nothing stopping them from doing so.
Member Since October 2019 - Comments: 391
12:50 PM, 25th February 2021, About 5 years ago
Am I right in thinking in ‘English’ law a minimum 6 months notice has to be given and only if there’s at least a minimum 6 months arrears which = 12 months with no rent (unless voluntary) ? Different new contracts are just a sweetener as I also think that contracts aren’t worth the paper they’re written on – I’ve had many tenants just simply leave when suits!
Member Since November 2017 - Comments: 3
1:32 PM, 25th February 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Dr Rosalind Beck at 25/02/2021 – 10:41
Totally agree with your comments, we know there will be individuals out there who will maximise and abuse this
Another Nail in the landlords coffin!
Member Since March 2015 - Comments: 1969 - Articles: 1
4:17 PM, 25th February 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by LaLo at 25/02/2021 – 12:50
You’re mixing in some of the Covid-specific temporary rules.
Normally a S.21 is two months notice and can be served after first four months.
Member Since March 2015 - Comments: 1969 - Articles: 1
1:06 PM, 26th February 2021, About 5 years ago
Is the article correct in citing an effective 12-month tenancy? As I understand, a six month fixed term is still possible, with notice being possible after a minimum of four months. Add the new six month notice period to the four month minimum and you’re at a 10 month tenancy overall…
Member Since November 2018 - Comments: 5
11:06 AM, 3rd March 2021, About 5 years ago
Will this apply to existing tenancies as well?