Welsh legislation aimed at making it easier for people to rent their homes has been granted Royal Assent by Her Majesty The Queen.
According to the Welsh Government, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 will make renting a home simpler and easier, replacing various and complex pieces of existing legislation with one clear legal framework.
The Welsh Government has said it is one of the most significant pieces of legislation to be passed by the National Assembly for Wales.
The new law will replace the many different types of tenancy agreements with two – one for the private sector and one for social housing.
The law also makes it a requirement for landlords to provide a written statement of the contract to tenants and to carry out repairs to make sure the property is fit for human habitation.
It will also help protect people from being evicted simply for complaining about the condition of a property.
The First Minister of Wales, as Keeper of the Welsh Seal, applied the Seal to the Letters Patent in a ceremony in Cardiff on Monday January 18.
First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said: “I am proud of this Government’s proven track record of using ‘made in Wales’ solutions to make Wales a better place to live.
“This Act will not only introduce much-needed clarity and fairness into the rental sector, but also help protect some of the most vulnerable people in society.”
Minister with responsibility for Housing, Lesley Griffiths, said: “This landmark Act is set to improve the lives of the one million people in Wales who rent their home.
“It will ensure both landlords and those renting their homes are aware of their rights and responsibilities from the outset, and will provide additional protection against the poor practices of some landlords.
“I would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who have helped us develop this Act, and look forward to continuing to work with them as it is implemented.”