Renting Homes Wales (Act) 2016: Tenants, Landlords and Agents

The way you rent is changing for tenants and landlords…

In 2016, the Senedd passed the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 with the aim of making it simpler and easier for landlords and tenants to rent a home in Wales.

The act, which comes into effect on the 1st December 2022, introduces many changes to tenancy laws and will apply to both social and private rented sectors.

What do I need to do?

Please familiarise yourself with the changes by reading through the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document.

All existing tenants will receive their new contract within 6 months of the 1st December 2022, however the terms and conditions of the new act will apply from the 1st December.

All new tenants from the 1st December 2022 will automatically be placed on a new contract.

Upon receiving your new contract, you will need to read through and ensure you understand your new rights and responsibilities.

Useful links

Tenants: housing law is changing (Renting Homes)

Tenants: housing law is changing (Renting Homes) (easy read)

Tenants: housing law is changing (Renting Homes)(alternative language versions)

Frequently asked questions

What is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016?

In 2016, the Senedd passed the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 with the aim of making it simpler and easier for landlords and tenants to rent a home in Wales.

The act introduces many changes to tenancy laws and will apply to both social and private rented sectors.

When will the new law apply?

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 comes into effect on the 1st December 2022.

What is the purpose of the Renting Homes Act?

  • Provides greater security and certainty to tenants and landlords.
  • Makes contracts clearer.
  • Improves the conditions of rental homes in Wales.
  • Makes it easier for tenants and landlords to rent a home in Wales.

Who does it affect?

  • All social and private tenants.
  • All social and private landlords, including those who rent their properties through management companies or agents.

What does it mean for me as a tenant?

  • It will improve your rights and make them clearer.
  • It will improve how landlords manage rented homes in Wales.

What is changing for me?

Tenancy Agreements will be replaced with Occupation Contracts.

  • Tenants will be referred to as Contract Holders.
  • Local Authority and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) will be referred to as Community Landlords.
  • Succession – increased rights to pass on your home.
  • Increased security – six months’ notice providing the contract is not breached.
  • Contract Holders can be added or removed without the need to end a contract.
  • All properties must be safe, for example homes must have working smoke alarms, annual gas checks and electrical testing every 5 years.
  • Anti-Social Behaviour - a fair and consistent approach for everyone.
  • Retaliatory evictions prevented.
  • Landlords will be able to repossess abandoned properties without a court order.

Fitness for Human Habitation

Welsh Government has released comprehensive guidance on The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (“the FFHH Regulations”) on their website at: Fitness of homes for human habitation: guidance for landlords | GOV.WALES

Rent Smart Wales have published mini guide on their website which sets outs a landlord’s responsibility to provide dwellings that are safe and fit for human habitation (FFHH). There are 29 ‘matters or circumstances’ listed and these include damp, cold, carbon monoxide, etc. 

Fitness for Human Habitation mini guide

All guides under Renting Homes: Resource Library 

Are the changes going to effect the cost of my rent?

No. If you rent your property from a Community Landlord (for example, a Local Authority or RSL), then your rent will still only increase in line with the Social Rent Policy, as set by Welsh Government.

Is there anything I need to do?

  • All existing tenants will be sent a new contract within 6 months from the 1st December 2022. This will replace your current Tenancy Agreement.
  • All new tenants from the 1st December 2022, will automatically be placed on a new contract.
  • Once you receive your new contract, you will need to read through and ensure you understand your new rights and responsibilities.

For more information: Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016