Minimum 'fit for human habitation' standards from December 2022
To coincide with the implementation of their Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, Welsh Government have set out the 29 matters and circumstances that must be considered when determining if a property is fit for human habitation.
The Act states that rent will not be payable by the tenants where a property falls short of the required standards, so it’s imperative that landlords familiarise themselves with what’s required.
The 29 items are contained within The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022, though Welsh Government have produced easier-to-digest guidance for landlords.
Disputes over property condition
Welsh Government say that, in most cases, the legislation and guidance they’ve made available should make it clear to both landlord and tenant whether a property is FFHH (fit for human habitation) or not. However, where a dispute exists, it will be matter for the court to determine, though we suspect the local authority will also have a part to play.
Additional safety requirements
The legislation also requires landlords to have a valid electrical safety certificate, a mains-wired interlinked smoke alarm system, and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliance (including gas boilers).
Further reading
Want to know more? Head on over to the Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 or Welsh Government’s accompanying guidance.
Let CPS Homes help
We're experts on The Renting Homes (Wales) 2016 Act and are helping prepare landlords for the changes. By instructing us to manage your property, we will…
- Work with you to put efficient processes in place well in advance of key dates for new legislation and regulations, ensuring you and your properties are compliant, safe and legal.
- Save you the cost of a Rent Smart Wales landlord licence and the hassle of ongoing training.
- Maximise your rental income by ensuring the property is always achieving its full potential.
- Provide you with your own representative within our Lettings and Accounts departments.
- Produce a FREE professional walkthrough video tour and photography as part of our standard marketing package.
- Place you on our VIP Investor list where you'll get priority access to pre-market investment properties before they're listed online.
- Provide you with peace of mind via our Client Money Protection (CMP) policy, professional indemnity insurance, and redress scheme membership.
To discuss CPS Homes taking over management of your property, contact our Senior Property Investment & Market Advisor, Rhys Owen, today via rhys.owen@cpshomes.co.uk or 02920 668585.
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