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Minister welcomes Commission's recommendations for renting homes in Wales

22 Apr 2013 11:57 AM
Carl Sargeant, the Minister for Housing and Regeneration, has welcomed a report by the Law Commission, recommending improvements to the legal framework governing rented housing in Wales.

The reforms are based on recommendations the Commission made in 2006 for both England and Wales. The latest report, supported by the Welsh Government, updates the 2006 recommendations. It will be used to inform changes that are being considered for renting homes from local authorities from housing associations and from private landlords. 

The Commission’s report recommends replacing many different forms of rental contract with just two types of contract.  

Under the proposals, Welsh Ministers would ensure the use of model contracts that would set out clearly the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, and the circumstances under which either party can bring the contract to an end.  The proposals will also help when people are faced with cases of domestic violence or housing-related anti-social behaviour.

The Minister said:

 “These proposals will provide a fair, simple and efficient legal basis for renting a home in Wales.

“The Welsh Government will take forward the recommendations with the aim of making the law easier for tenants and landlords to understand. Doing this will create a more effective rented housing system in Wales.

Frances Patterson QC, the Law Commissioner leading on the project, said:

 “This report shows the Law Commission’s commitment to law reform in Wales.

“We are delighted that the Welsh Government has shown the foresight and imagination to take forward these much needed and well received recommendations.”

The Minister will be launching the Renting Homes White Paper, which has been informed by the Law Commission’s report, on 20 May 2013. Members of the public are encouraged to give their views during an open consultation on the Paper.

Related Links

Renting Homes Bill