A new Bill has been published in Wales which aims to ditch all types of rental tenure and replace them with just two types of tenancy – one for the private rented sector and one for the social sector.
The Renting Homes (Wales) Bill has been described as “one of the most significant pieces of legislation this Assembly”.
The two new types of tenure are based on existing secure tenancies in the social sector and Assured Shorthold Tenancies in the private sector.
Significantly, however, it will remove the inability to serve “no fault” eviction notices currently underpinning ASTs for the first six months of a new tenancy.
In a White Paper, the Welsh Government said this “would not stop” landlords choosing to offer more security, but would help someone only wanting short-term accommodation, and would encourage landlords to let property to vulnerable tenants such as the recently homeless.
The Bill will also require landlords to provide simple contracts to tenants explaining their rights; will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to take out private rental agreements; outlaw so-called retaliatory evictions; and ensure that in cases of domestic violence, the perpetrator can be removed from the contact, but not the victim.
Comments (3)
I must dig out my law books, contract law and 18 year olds?
I’m surprised they let this out the bag before the election, you guys in Wales have had this hanging over your heads since last year. Looks like your labour controlled government is a law to itself and trying to get rid of the private sector. I understand that in some Welsh areas councils have been trying to coerce landlords to move to social housing associations to manage their properties. Your in for a rough ride, I fear.
“The Bill … will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to take out private rental agreements”. What a fantastic idea; it’s strange that nobody has thought of it before. What could possibly go wrong renting a property to a 16 yr old?