Renting Homes Act-overview

Renting Homes Act-changes to terminology

On 1st December 2022, Amendments to the Renting Homes Act came into force, resulting in some significant changes to the rental sector in Wales.

Here is a quick overview of the new terminology and to help you navigate the areas of our website relating to Wales only, and any other sources of information you may be viewing to find out more.

Basic terminology

Tenants and licensees are now called ‘contract holders’

Tenancy agreements (AST) and license arrangements are now called ‘occupation contracts’.

The type of occupation contract that most private landlords will have will be called a standard contract: this is the default contract for the private rented sector (PRS).

Key timings

These amendments came into force on 1st December 2022.

For new rentals after 1st December, the new occupation contract (previously tenancy agreement) needs to be issued within 14 days of occupation

Existing tenancies agreements will ‘convert’ to the relevant occupation contract on 1st December and landlords must issue a written statement of the converted occupation contract within 6 months.

There are lots of changes in the law for the PRS in Wales including maintenance obligations and tenants rights.  Obviously as your agent we are all trained in the new processes and will look after all of this for you if we manage your property.

For more detailed information please review the Renting Homes Act-Contract Holders and Renting Homes Act-landlord info