What’s changing?

The way you rent is changing

In 2016 the Welsh Government passed The Renting Homes (Wales) Act that will replace current housing legislation. Its purpose is to set up a single legal framework for social and private renting, enabling a ‘single social tenancy’ for Wales.

The Act will come into force on the 1st December 2022 and bring significant reform to housing law and practice in Wales.

The Act gives greater clarity on the rights and responsibilities for both our customers and for us as your landlord, through written contracts. This is currently known as a tenancy agreement. In addition, the Act will standardise tenancy agreements.

Watch our explainer video

Kat and Aaron talk you through what the new Renting Homes (Wales) Act is, and what the changes will mean for our residents.

Here are some key points to be aware of

The renting homes act will be introduced to the whole of Wales on 1st December 2022.

• Melin Homes will be known as a Community Landlord
• Tenants will be called Contract Holders. This will mean:
  
  • receiving a written contract setting out your rights and responsibilities;
  • an increase in the ‘no fault’ notice period from two to six months;
  • greater protection from eviction;
  • improved succession rights, these set out who has a right to continue to live in a dwelling, for example after the current tenant dies;
  • more flexible arrangements for joint contract-holders, making it easier to add or remove others to an occupation contract;

• Tenancy agreements will change to an Occupation Contract.
• There will be two types of contracts – secure and standard.

The Act will merge multiple housing legislations into one legal framework.

The Act will simplify and improve your rights.

On 1st December 2022, every resident in Wales will automatically be moved to the new contract – Occupation Contract.

What happens next?

We are working with our legal team to start drafting the new contracts. We have six months from the 1st December to send the contract out to you.

Our new customers will sign up to the new occupation contract from this date.

We are working closely with Welsh Government, Community Housing Cymru and other housing associations to ensure we have a consistent and seamless approach to the changes.

We will keep you up to date on our website and social media. If you do have any question please get in contact with us, and we will be happy to help.