Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act?

In 2016, Welsh Government passed the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 with the aim of making it simpler and easier for landlords and tenants to rent a home in Wales.
The Act is the biggest change to housing law in Wales for decades and has been planned by Welsh Government for a while.
It introduces many changes to tenancy laws and will apply to both social landlords (like Newydd) and the private rented sector.
The changes brought by the Act have been scrutinised by tenant organisations such as TPAS Cymru and Shelter Cymru.

When will it happen?

What’s the purpose of the Act?

It simplifies agreements and brings consistency in contracts and security for people who rent their homes in Wales.
It improves the standard of some rented homes in Wales.

Who does it affect?

Why is it happening?

To make it easier and more consistent when you rent a home in Wales.
To make sure everyone who rents in Wales has a home that is fit for people to live in.
To improve consistency of standards, whether you live in a home rented from a social landlord like Newydd, from a Council or a home rented from a private landlord.
To give people living in private rented homes better security.

What is changing?

Under the new law a ‘Tenancy Agreement’ will be known as an ‘Occupation Contract’ and a ‘Tenant’ will be known as a ‘Contract Holder’.
All properties must be safe and have features such as hard-wired smoke alarms and regular electrical safety testing.
There are some new rules for dealing with anti-social behaviour.
There are increased succession rights which is the right to pass on your home to other people when you die. In certain circumstances you could pass your home onto carers or other family members.
With your landlords consent, a Contract Holder can be added to or removed from an Agreement without the need to end the contract.
Landlords will be able to repossess abandoned properties without a court order.

What does it mean for me as a tenant?

It simplifies and improves your rights as a tenant.
It improves how some landlords manage rented homes in Wales.
Existing Newydd tenants will receive an Occupation Contract within 6 months of 15th July 2022, replacing your Tenancy Agreement.

Is it going to cost me money or have an effect on my rent?

What do I need to do?

We would like to send you your contract electronically in future. This is because we are reducing our carbon footprint and printing less paper is better for the environment. It also saves money on print and postage, which can be reinvested into providing quicker, better services for you. If you do not want to receive your contract in an electronic format please call us on 0303 040 1998.
Once you get your contract, please read it and familiarise yourself with it. Your contract will explain what you can and can’t do as a tenant, and what Newydd can and can’t do as a landlord.

Where can I find out more? Visit the Welsh Government website.