By Bay Estate Agents
The implementation of their Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 on 1st December 2022, will also see the Welsh Government set out 29 matters and circumstances that must be considered when determining if a property is fit for human habitation.
The implementation of their Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 on 1st December 2022, will also see the Welsh Government set out 29 matters and circumstances that must be considered when determining if a property is fit for human habitation.
Should a property fall short of the required standards, the Act states that rent will not be payable by the tenants until the requisite standards are met.
The 29 items are contained within The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022, and the Welsh Government have produced guidance for landlords.
Disputes over property condition
In most cases, the legislation and guidance made available by the Welsh Governement should make it clear to both landlord and tenant whether a property is FFHH (fit for human habitation) or not. However, where a dispute exists, it will be matter for the court to determine and the local authority may also play a part.
Additional safety requirements
The legislation also requires landlords to have a valid electrical safety certificate, a mains-wired interlinked smoke alarm system, and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliance (including gas boilers).
Further reading
Want to know more? Head on over to the Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2022/6/made) or Welsh Government’s accompanying guidance (https://gov.wales/fitness-homes-human-habitation-guidance-landlords-html#section-88908).
Let Bay help with the transition.
As experienced letting agents, we have helped our landlords comply with a multitude of regulation changes over the last twenty years, taking the hassle out of what can be an onerous process.
Our team are up to speed with The Renting Homes (Wales) 2016 Act and are helping prepare landlords for the changes ahead by:
• Working with our landlords in advance of the keys implementation dates to put efficient processes in place to ensure their properties are compliant, safe and legal.
• Saving out landlords the cost of a Rent Smart Wales landlord licence and the hassle of ongoing training through our fully managed service.
• Provide out landlords with their own dedicated Property Manager as a point of contact
• Producing a walkthrough video tour and high-level photography as part of our standard marketing package.
• Providing our landlords with peace of mind through our Propertymark membership, Client Money Protection (CMP) policy, professional indemnity insurance, and redress scheme membership.
At Bay Estate & Letting Agents, we really know the Swansea property market. We're local and we'll gladly share our knowhow and experience with honest advice that will be just right for you. So, whether you're buying, selling or letting in Swansea, get in touch. We're here to help.
