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Welsh government’s Renting Homes Bill “will benefit 1m people” (26 November 2015)

Date: 26/11/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Welsh government’s Renting Homes Bill “will benefit 1m people”

The lives of one million people who live in rented accommodation in Wales will be improved as a result of legislation passed in the Welsh Assembly (WA) Senedd in November, says the Welsh government.

The Renting Homes (Wales) Bill will make it simpler and easier to rent a home, replacing various and complex pieces of existing legislation with one clear legal framework, says the Welsh government.

Calling the legislation “one of the most significant pieces of legislation to be passed by the National Assembly for Wales”, the WA says the Bill will require landlords to issue a written statement of the occupation contract, which clearly sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and those renting from them.

To help landlords comply with this requirement, the Welsh Government will provide free model contracts.

The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in December.

Minister with responsibility for Housing, Lesley Griffiths, said:

“I very much welcome the passing of this Bill through the Assembly and look forward to it receiving Royal Assent. With more people than ever before renting their home, it is vital this area of the law is modern and fit for purpose.

“This Bill will ensure both landlords and those renting their homes are aware of their rights and responsibilities from the outset, and will provide additional protection against the poor practices of some landlords.

“A huge amount of time and effort has already gone into the development of the Bill, but now is when the hard work really begins.

“I look forward to continuing to work with partners to prepare for the implementation of this landmark legislation.”

The Bill will replace a number of different types of tenancies and licences currently available, with just two types of contract – one for the private rented sector and one for social housing.

Among the new duties imposed on landlords will be the requirements to carry out repairs and ensure the property is fit for human habitation.

The Bill will also enable landlords to repossess an abandoned property without needing a court order, enabling the property to be re-tenanted more quickly.

The Welsh government says that people who find themselves “in difficult circumstances” will also benefit from the Bill, as it will help to prevent current homelessness situations where a joint tenant leaves the tenancy, thereby ending the tenancy for everyone else.

The legislation will also assist victims of domestic abuse by enabling the person carrying out domestic abuse to be targeted for eviction.

The Bill will also help protect people from being evicted simply for complaining about the condition of a property.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise landlords, private rental sector tenants and social housing tenants on a wide range of housing law, including:

• Council’s obligation to re-house
• Disrepair of rented property
• Housing Benefit
• Housing possession
• Landlord & Tenant disputes
• Local Authority Housing
• Notice to evict
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• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.

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For expert help with housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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