Renting Homes Bill – myths and facts
The Renting Homes Bill introduced by Welsh Government aims to reform and simplify tenancy law in Wales.
All existing tenancies will convert to either a ‘standard contract’ or a ‘secure contract’, both of which will explain in clear terms to landlords and tenants what their rights and responsibilities are. We welcome this as it will ensure standard practice and promote greater clarity for both landlords and tenants.
The Welsh Government states that private renters will have a similar level of security under the standard contract as they do now under the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). However, one major change is that the Bill proposes to remove the ‘six month moratorium’ which currently protects tenants from eviction during the first six months of their tenancy. This will enable private landlords to offer tenancies with no fixed term at all – giving tenants in Wales a level of security of tenure that is lower than in any other country in Western Europe.
