Welsh landlords can evict tenants for not paying their rent but need to be aware of the new rules that apply.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, new regulations have come into force made under Schedule 29 to the Coronavirus Act 2020. This temporarily extends the minimum notice periods landlords in Wales must give to tenants who hold an “Assured” and “Assured shorthold tenancies” (AST).
Notices served by landlords on or after the 24th of July 2020 (applies to Wales) under section 8 notice must give six months. The exception to this rule is grounds 7A or 14 (relating to anti-social behaviour). However, a three-month notice period will continue to apply to eviction notices that specify grounds 7A or 14.
The new six-month notice period will apply to notices issued on or after the 24th of July 2020 under section 21 notice.
Schedule 29 has been temporarily amended so that a landlord serving a notice on or after the 24th of July is required to provide extended notice during the remainder of the relevant period.
The temporary changes under schedule 29 end on the 30th of September 2020. The Welsh Government may extend the relevant period beyond the 30th of September 2020 using the power under 1(2) of Schedule 29.
This temporary change the Welsh government has said are being made in order further to delay evictions during the ongoing public health emergency.
The Welsh government has said fewer people would face eviction, which in turn may lead to homelessness. When councils are struggling to respond to these situations; tenants should benefit from better tenancy security and reduced stress. The Welsh government introduced this legislation to provide renters with increased time to seek support to resolve any problems with their landlord.
All possession notices served in Wales between the 27th of March and the 23rd of July, a three-month notice period applies.
Source: British Landlords Association
Author: Simon Hampton
Date: 22nd of September 2020
