The way people rent homes in Wales is in line for a shake-up after the Welsh Government welcomed a report by the Law Commission.
The report calls for improvements to the legal framework governing rented housing in Wales and updates recommendations the Commission first made made in 2006.
The Commission’s report recommends replacing many different forms of rental contract with just two types of contract irrespective if tenants rent from a council, a housing association or a private landlord.
Under plans now being considered by Welsh Ministers, the use of model contracts would set out clearly the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, and the circumstances under which either party can bring the contract to an end. The proposals will also help when people are faced with cases of domestic violence or housing-related anti-social behaviour.
Carl Sargeant, the Minister for Housing and Regeneration, said: “These proposals will provide a fair, simple and efficient legal basis for renting a home in Wales.
“The Welsh Government will take forward the recommendations with the aim of making the law easier for tenants and landlords to understand. Doing this will create a more effective rented housing system in Wales.”
Frances Patterson QC, the Law Commissioner leading on the project, said: “This report shows the Law Commission’s commitment to law reform in Wales.
“We are delighted that the Welsh Government has shown the foresight and imagination to take forward these much needed and well received recommendations.”
The Minister will be launching the Renting Homes White Paper, which has been informed by the Law Commission’s report, on May 20, 2013. Members of the public are encouraged to give their views during an open consultation on the paper.