Six-month notice periods extended in Wales

eviction, housing, landlord, tenant
Jun 21 | 2021

Six-month notice periods are extended until September in Wales.

  In March 2020, the Welsh Government introduced emergency legislation which ensured tenancies were subject to a six-month notice period if a landlord sought to terminate the tenancy. These measures were due to expire at the end of June 2021 but have now been extended for a further three months until September 30th 2021.   Many had expected the extended notice periods to be relaxed to coincide with England reducing the length of their notice periods at the start of June. Indeed, it is clear from the explanatory notes, written in conjunction with the Coronavirus Legislation, that the Welsh Government had considered this approach; but this was outweighed by “the cost to public health, and the knock-on effects for the health service, local authorities and other organisations, of a sudden increase in evictions occurring.” It is also evident from the notes that there is a growing concern that local authorities will struggle with the influx of evictions once the notice periods are reduced.   Many landlords have expressed a sense of frustration and disappointment over a perceived lack of measures to protect their rights. The explanatory notes acknowledge that the extension of the six-month notice periods until September will “lead to financial difficulties for some landlords” yet nothing has been announced to mitigate their loss.   Extending the increased notice period until September does not reduce landlords’ desire to evict tenants, but instead delays their ability to do so; which in turn may result in a bigger influx of evictions once the notice periods are shortened in October. There has been no indication as to how the Welsh Government are preparing for this sudden increase in evictions.   Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, highlights “the urgent need for the Welsh Government to take rapid action to address the mounting rent arrears crisis unfolding across Wales.” He claims that without such support, the extension of the six-month notice period until September will prolong uncertainty for all involved. The Welsh Government have announced that consideration is being given to what further support can be provided to the private rented sector but has not announced any specific measures.   At NewBold Solicitors, we can offer clarity in advising landlords of their options. If you would like to discuss your case with us, please call our dedicated team on 0330 123 1131 or visit our Landlord or Tenant Services pages for further information.   Jake Wesson - Graduate Solicitor - Property Litigation
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