Call of the Month: New NRLA tenancy agreements

A member called this month after seeing the NRLA Assured Shorthold Tenancy had been updated to include the Clear English Standard Mark.

The member wanted to check if they had any new obligations as a result of the change, or needed to alter or update existing agreements.

The adviser explained the the Plain Language Commission granted the Clear English Standard Mark, after the NRLA updated its ASTs, using less technical language and legal jargon to make them easier for tenants to understand.

The adviser confirmed this does not mean there are any new obligations for landlords, and landlords are not required to update current ASTs.

Members can find the NRLA AST they require and download for free, along with useful completion notes, here.

Changes in Wales

From 1st December, when the Renting Homes (Wales) Act came into force, private landlords in Wales are no longer be able to use tenancy agreements when they let their properties. Instead, they have to use Standard Occupation Contracts when starting an agreement. Members can download the template NRLA Standard Occupation Contract for free, here.

If you are a private landlord in Wales and you already had tenants in place before 1 December, then you will need to convert the contract. You have until May 30 2023 to issue an updated statement to them. For more information see our guide on converted contracts.