In Wales? The six-month countdown to 12-month contracts is on.


On July 15th the new Renting Homes (Wales) Act will come into force. The Act makes permanent some changes introduced because of Covid. Six-month notice periods will be the new norm and tenants will find themselves better protected against so-called retaliatory evictions. The three principal changes are summarised here.

A year’s secure tenure

From July, tenants will be able to enjoy a minimum of one year’s secure tenancy from their move-in date. They will be known as contract holders.

6 months’ notice

A landlord wanting to gain possession of a property must give six months’ notice when there is no fault on the part of the ‘contract holder’. Originally introduced because of the pandemic, this measure remains in place and becomes a permanent change from July 15th.

More protection for tenants

Under the new act, landlords will be prevented from using eviction as a means of avoiding repairs. And, recognising the difficulties faced by those experiencing domestic abuse, it becomes easier under the new legislation to remove a perpetrator from an occupation contract without the necessity for a whole new contract.

The potential impact

Whilst many lettings agents and landlords already prefer a twelve-month let over the disruption and expense of finding a new tenant after six months, the move does reduce options. As an example, house buyers relying on a short-term solution to navigate the gap between a sale and purchase could well find this an issue.

Over the last two years, landlords and lettings agents have had to adapt how they operate. These further changes, passing into legislation, will require those in the sector to consider and plan what’s next for them. The longer ‘contracts’ and notice periods will impact flexibility at a time when it could be most needed.

Get free advice on evictions and rent arrears here.