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• Tenancy agreements have been replaced by occupation contracts.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 a landlord

The act:  

• simplifies and improves your ability to gain possession of your property 
• improves how landlords manage rented homes in Wales

How it directly affects you

• Any existing tenancy agreement will be automatically converted to a new contract and you must issue your occupation contract holder with a copy of the new contract by June 1, 2023.
• Any new occupation contract holders in your property will sign your contract in the usual way and you must issue a copy within 14 days.

What you need to do

We advise that you visit the Welsh Government website to familiarise yourself with your rights and responsibilities.