If you rent property in Wales, whether in the public or private sector, you might know the Renting Homes (Wales) Act was due to come into force on 15 July.

This has now been postponed until 1 December 2022.

What’s changing? 

By introducing a single clear framework, the Act gives more protection to tenants and contract-holders, and is the biggest change to housing law in decades. Landlords and letting agents need to ensure their properties meet the new fitness standards set out in the legislation, familiarise themselves with the subordinate legislation (due next month), and prepare new occupation contracts for their tenants / contract-holders. 

Why the delay? 

The postponement means that landlords and agents get more time to prepare (especially useful for those who have many properties), while the Welsh Government gets more time to produce other regulations, guidance and transition provisions that may be necessary. 

Key timings

What next?

For more information, please contact our specialist team on 01938 552545.