REGULATION: Wales reveals 29 reasons why a property can be ‘unfit’ after July 15th

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Landlords in Wales have been given detailed new guidance to make sure their properties are up to scratch ahead of the new Renting Homes (Wales) Act.

From 15^th July, they will need to ensure homes are fit for human habitation at the start of, and during, the occupation contract, and the new guidance aims to help them understand their responsibilities.

The Act provides 29 examples of ‘matters and circumstances’ where action might be needed to prevent contract-holders (tenants) from potentially living in unfit conditions.

These include damp, mould growth and exposure to the cold, but are so extensive they even cover explosions and the threat from debris created by a blast and the resulting partial or total collapse of a building.

Landlords are advised to, “conduct visual and/or physical inspections to minimise the likelihood wherever possible”.

At the other end of the risk scale, they are warned to conduct visual and physical inspections to minimise the likelihood of “collision or entrapment” occurring in doors or windows.

Smoke alarms

The guidance also sets out landlord requirements which must be complied with, namely ensuring that their properties have both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in proper working order and ensuring the inspection and testing of the electrical installation.

Read more about England's legislation on Fitness for Human Habitation.

The guidance states: “It is important to understand that where a landlord fails to comply with these requirements, the dwelling is to be treated as if it were unfit for human habitation.”

The requirements relating to installing smoke alarms and electrical safety testing will not apply to existing tenancies that switch to an occupation contract until 15th July 2023, however, from 15th July 2022 all new contracts will need to comply with them. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in all relevant properties from 15th July 2022.

Details can be found on the Welsh Government website.

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