From Thursday 1 December 2022, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 will change the way all landlords in Wales rent their homes. This is being implemented by Welsh Government. The Act will improve how we rent, manage, and live in rented homes – which is good news for all of us.
What does this mean for customers?
All existing tenancy agreements will be replaced by an ‘occupation contract’.
We’ll be sending all our customers a copy of this contract between December 2022 and June 2023.
We’ll send you a letter by email or post over the next few weeks to explain what you need to do.
What you’ll need to do when we contact you
- Check that the e-mail address we have for you is correct, and tell us if it’s wrong
- Confirm that you are happy for us to send your new contract to this e-mail address
Check your e-mail address
We will let you know the e-mail address we have as a contact method for you. You will need to tell us if this email address is not the best way for us to send you your new contract.
If you’re a joint tenant, we’ll use the email address listed in your letter and issue one copy of your contract to this email address, unless you would prefer us to do otherwise.
Confirm your consent for us to send your new contract by e-mail
We’ll share details of how you can do this in the letter. If you would like to give your consent now, you can call us on 01633 381 111 and provide it over the phone.
What happens if I don’t give my consent?
If you don’t give us to consent to send your new contract by email, we will need to send you a printed contract through the post.
The new contracts are large documents, and where possible, we want to send your new contract electronically.
This is because:
- It’s easier to store files electronically and it means fewer envelopes through your letterbox
- It saves money, which can be used to provide better services for you
- We are reducing our carbon footprint and printing less paper is better for the environment
- Sending documents electronically is more accessible because the font size can be increased, the colour of the text can be altered, they can be translated with apps, and they can be accessed by screen readers
What does the Renting Homes Act mean for me?
The new law will make renting easier and provide greater security for you. This will mean:
- Receiving a written contract setting out your rights and responsibilities
- Greater protection for you from eviction
- Improved succession rights if you want to pass on your home to family or a carer
- More flexible arrangements for joint contract-holders, making it easier to remove or add others to an occupation contract
Where can I find more information?
You can find out more about the new legislation and the impact it will have on both tenants and landlords on our website or using the links below.
“The Way You Rent is Changing”
https://gov.wales/housing-law-changing-renting-homes
Guidance for Tenants
https://gov.wales/tenants-housing-law-changing-renting-homes
Guidance for Landlords
https://gov.wales/landlords-housing-law-changing-renting-homes
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2016/1/contents
Renting Homes (Amendment) (Wales) Act 2021 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asc/2021/3/contents
Renting Homes Guidance including Model Written Statements / Contracts https://gov.wales/renting-homes-housing-law-changing
What should I do next?
If you want to, you can call us on 01633 381 111 to give your consent for us to send you your contract by email. Otherwise, you don’t need to do anything until you receive your letter about the new contracts. When you receive it, please read it carefully and follow the instructions provided. You can contact us if you have any questions or problems.