The Welsh government has announced that it is delaying the implementation of the Renting Homes Wales Act until 1 December 2022.

The Renting Homes Act, first passed in 2016, will make changes to the duties required of landlords in Wales, including increasing eviction notice periods.

When the rules are finally introduced, landlords in Wales will need to offer tenants at least six months’ notice when serving a Section 21 eviction order.

Climate change minister, Julie James, who is responsible for housing, commented: “I have over recent months received representations from landlords, and particularly social landlords, who have requested that implementation of the Act be delayed.

“In the light of the unprecedented pressures they (landlords) face, including Covid recovery and supporting those who are fleeing the war in Ukraine, I have decided to postpone implementation of the Act until 1 December 2022. This will allow more time for landlords to complete the necessary preparations ahead of implementation.

“Wholesale reform of the type that the Renting Homes (Wales) Act is bringing about happens only very rarely – perhaps once in a generation. I want to do all I can to ensure landlords have adequate time to make the necessary preparations to comply with the requirements of the Act.”