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Welsh government launches consultation on extending no-fault notice period
The Welsh government has put forward proposals to extend the minimum notice period for private renters in so-called ‘no-fault’ evictions from two months to six.
A consultation launched last week suggested making the necessary changes to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 before it eventually comes into force.
Other proposals include banning landlords from serving no-fault eviction notices within the first six months of a contract and restricting their ability to regain possession of their properties if they have attempted a retaliatory eviction or are in breach of other housing laws.
Both the Welsh government and the UK government announced plans to scrap no fault evictions in April, in favour of open-ended private tenancies.
The law in both countries – including under Section 173 of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act as drafted – allows landlords to take back possession of their property from tenants after an assured shorthold tenancy without giving a reason in just two months.
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Julie James, housing and local government minister for the Welsh government, said: “These proposals would give tenants more peace of mind about their contracts, but also recognise that there are legitimate reasons why a landlord may need possession of their property; it’s important that we get this balance right.
“The act already recognises there will be occasions when someone hasn’t been paying their rent, or breaches their contract in other ways.
“Our proposals do not change this, but mean a landlord will need to use the most appropriate route when seeking to take possession, rather than relying on a ‘no-fault’ notice.”
She said she expected the Renting Homes (Wales) Act to come into effect before the end of the current Welsh Assembly term in 2021.
The legislation has been heavily delayed, with the Welsh government blaming the reform of court IT systems in England and Wales. The consultation will run until 5 September.
