Renting Homes Bill receives Royal Assent.

The Renting Homes Bill passed its final stage (3) at the  National Assembly for Wales in November and gained Royal Assent on 18th January 2016. The legislation will replace the different types of tenancies and licences currently available in Wales with just two main types of contracts - one for the private rented sector and one for social housing. 

Once implemented, the Act will require landlords to issue a written statement of the contract which clearly sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.

A minimum six-month occupation period will be maintained by the Act (with some exemptions) and landlords will have to ensure the property is fit for human habitation, the details of which will follow. The Act will also help protect people from retaliatory eviction sometimes seen in the private rented sector for complaining about the condition of a property.

This is one of the most significant pieces of legislation to be passed by the National Assembly for Wales directly affecting the lives of over one million people who rent their home in Wales.

The Welsh Government will be issuing consultation on various regulations over the next year and throughout the implementation stage.

To view the act, please visit:-
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2016/1/contents/enacted