As of December 1st 2022, a new framework has been implemented to change the process of renting property in Wales.
For landlords, this will mean:
• Two types of contracts: 'Secure' for the social rented sector and 'Standard' for the private rented sector.
• Tenancy agreements will become known as 'Occupation Contracts' and must be provided in writing to the tenant.
• Abandoned properties can be repossessed without needing a court order.
In addition, to comply with the new Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH) act, rental properties will need to meet the following requirements:
• Electrical Installation Condition Report ( EICR ) - This report will need to be satisfactory and will last for 5 years.
• Smoke Alarms – Under the new regulations, smoke alarms must be mains powered and interconnected on every storey of a rental property.
• CO (Carbon Monoxide) detectors – A CO detector alarm must be present in any room which has a gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliance installed. There’s no requirement that a CO alarm is fitted to the dwelling’s electrical supply, so a seven or 10-year battery version would be acceptable.
Further guidelines are available to view here:
Landlords: housing law is changing (Renting Homes) | GOV.WALES.
The FBM team have taken the time to master the new process, and are expanding our portfolio of rentals. If you're interested in instructing a letting agent, please get in touch with Charlotte, FBM Lettings Manager on 01834 849 295, or email charlotte.leyland@fbmlettings.co.uk. Charlotte is a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), and will be happy to help.
