Wales discrimination deadline looms
Landlords with homes in Wales have just over two weeks to let tenants know of key changes that are coming in under the Renters’ Rights Act.
While the legislation primarily affects tenancies in England, new rules banning discrimination against tenants with children or those in receipt of benefits, will also be introduced in Wales.
Coming into force in Wales next Monday, 1st June, this element of the Act will prohibit you from:
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Detering these households from enquiring about a property.
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Refusing or restricting their access to viewings or property information.
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Excluding them from entering into a tenancy.
What do I need to do?
You have until 14th June to inform your tenants of the change either by issuing either:
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a statement of variation, or
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a new occupation contract.
We would recommend the statement of variation as the most straightforward option, with the document available for download from the NRLA website here.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. If you, or your superior landlord, have taken out insurance before 1st June that restricts you from accepting tenants in receipt of benefits, or allowing children to live in or visit the property any changes to your occupation contract will not apply until the existing insurance product ends.
Once it does, you will need to serve this statement of variation within 14 days.
Landlords will still be able to consider applicants’ individual circumstances to determine whether a property is suitable, for example landlord may decline to rent a single room in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to a family if the accommodation is clearly unsuitable for family living.
Are there any penalties?
If you fail to notify your tenants within the two week period, you could be liable to pay your contract holder compensation
The fine charged will be equivalent to daily rental rate of your property for each day the document is late - up a maximum of two month's rent. This figure could then be doubled - and interest charged - should the issue get to court.
