31st
Jul 2019
If the Welsh Housing Minister is successful then private landlords in Wales should be aware that rental contracts could become a 12 month minimum.
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Julie James, the Welsh housing minister, is expecting her plans to prolong the notice period for 'no fault' evictions to remain unopposed.
Currently under Section 173, landlords are not allowed to repossess their properties within the first six months of a tenancy.
But James has other plans and she is proposing to extend the minimum notice period of two months to a full six month timescale; this would mean to landlords that tin effect the minimum tenancy would be approximately 12 months because of the lengthy eviction process.
A trade association has also found out that the government is proposing to implement the change without offering alternative routes for landlords to repossess their properties for clear legal reasons within the 'twelve' months.
The Welsh government is now due to consult on whether to increase the minimum notice period of Section 173.
The Welsh trade association's spokesperson, said: "This is a scandalous move that is essentially introducing 12 months contracts by default.
"Creating a situation where a property cannot be repossessed within the first six months and then introducing a further six-month notice period could cause huge problems for landlords.
"They will be left powerless when it comes to problem tenants, who will be legally allowed to stay in the property for a year. If tenants are not paying rent, huge arrears could build up in this time."
He continued: "We will be warning the government that this move could cause serious damage to landlord confidence and the availability of homes to rent in Wales, at a time when demand continues to increase.
"The government needs to ensure that landlords with a genuine need to regain possession of their properties are able to do so."
Richard Merrick, of PIMS, said:" If and when this is approved which will be more than likely, it goes without saying that a large section of the House of Commons, will almost certainly be urging for this 'wondrous opportunity' to be fast tracked into England."
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