In 2016, Welsh Government passed the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
The act has been in place since December 1, 2022. It introduced many changes to tenancy laws and applies to both social and private rented sectors.
Where the terms ‘occupation contracts’ and ‘occupation contract holders’ are used on this page these replace the terms ‘tenancy agreements’ and ‘tenants’ respectively.
The purpose of the act
The act aims to:
- make it simpler and easier for landlords and occupation contract holders to rent a home in Wales
- simplify agreements and improves the condition of rental homes in Wales
- offer greater security and certainty to occupation contract holders and landlords
Who the act affects
- All landlords – private and social.
- All occupation contract holders – private and social.
Specific changes
- Tenancy agreements have been replaced by occupation contracts.
- Increased security for private rented occupation contract holders – landlords must give 6 months’ notice as long as the contract is not breached.
- All properties must be safe and habitable – this includes having working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and electrical safety testing.
- Occupation contract holders have increased succession rights to pass on their home
- Contract holders can be added or removed without the need to end the contract.
- Landlords can repossess abandoned properties without a court order, providing investigations have taken place.
What it means for you as an occupation contract holder
The act:
- simplifies and improves your rights as an occupation contract holder (contracts offer you greater security and certainty)
- improves how landlords manage rented homes in Wales
- gives you greater security as an occupation contract holder in the private rented sector
How it will directly affect you
- If you are an existing tenant you will be automatically converted from your existing tenancy agreement onto a new contract and will receive a copy of the new contract by June 1, 2023.
- If you become a new occupation contract holder you will sign your contract in the usual way and will receive a copy within 14 days.
The act has no effect on your rent and will not cost you any money.
What you need to do
The only thing you need to do is read your contract and familiarise yourself with your rights and responsibilities.
More information
'The way you rent is changing… for tenants and landlords'
If you have any questions, you can email rentinghomes@wrexham.gov.uk.