Welsh Government delays implementation of Renting Homes Wales Act
The Welsh Government has announced that it is delaying the introduction of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act until 1 December 2022.
Intended to end the assured shorthold tenancy system, the Act, once it comes into effect, will radically change Wales’ private rented sector when it arrives later this year.
The move by the Welsh Government to delay the legislation’s introduction follows calls – led chiefly by the NRLA – for the Government to consider the question of how landlords can introduce far-reaching legislation within the original implementation timescale.
In her statement setting out the Welsh Government's position, Julie James MS, Minister for Climate Change said:
"Wholesale reform of the type that the Renting Homes (Wales) Act is bringing about happens only very rarely - perhaps once in a generation. I want to do all I can to ensure landlords have adequate time to make the necessary preparations to comply with the requirements of the Act."
In response to this announcement Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said:
“The NRLA had warned for some time that the Welsh Government’s timetable for implementation of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act was unrealistic and provided insufficient time for landlords to prepare. It is reassuring that landlords’ concerns have been heeded, albeit late in the day.
“We welcome the announcement that implementation will be postponed until 1 December 2022. This will give the Government time to consider the many issues raised by private and social landlords ahead of these major changes coming into force.”
Learn more about the Act and check out our latest update on the legislation.
