The Welsh Government had announced that measures introduced under the Coronavirus Act 2020, changing notice periods prior to regaining possession to six months, are extended to 31 March 2021.

Housing Minister, Julie James AM outlined that there is an exclusion in cases of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse and stated that in these cases, tenants can be given shorter notice periods with immediate effect, the same as before COVID-19 regulations came into force.

She went on to announce a pause on physical evictions both during the festive period and within any further local lockdown.

A formal announcement of the change will be made along with the publication of regulations before the end of the month.

Where rent arrears have accumulated due to COVID-19, private rented sector tenants will soon be able to apply for a loan through the Tenancy Saver Loan Scheme, which opens at the end of September 2020. The Welsh Government has provided £1.4 million to boost services that support people in Wales to manage debt problems.

Looking beyond the pandemic, the Welsh Government will continue with their Bill to amend the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 to increase the security of tenure. The Bill extends the no-fault notice period from two to six months, and landlords will be prevented from issuing a no-fault notice until at least six months from the date of occupancy.

This means those renting their homes will have a minimum of 12 months’ security of tenure from the outset of their contract, meaning the security of tenure in Wales will be greater than elsewhere in the UK.

Timothy Douglas, ARLA Propertymark Policy and Campaigns Manager, said: “The Welsh Government has acknowledged the need to extend the notice periods, despite being difficult for many to implement, including staying on top of rapidly changing local lockdowns. However, it is a welcome addition to a support package for those in Wales with rent arrears that will help to maintain tenancies and #keeptherentflowing.”