Housing

Housing law covers a variety of topics, including: 

• Different types of property occupation (including freehold, long leasehold and a variety of residential tenancies); 
• The private rented sector; 
• Social housing; 
• Repairs and maintenance; 
• Disputes; 
• Evictions and homelessness;
• Residential mobile homes

In Wales, housing law is the responsibility of Senedd Cymru and the Welsh Government. 

The Welsh Ministers regulate the social housing sector in Wales, whether that housing is provided by local authorities or registered social landlords (such as housing associations). Amongst other things, the Welsh Ministers are responsible for deciding who is eligible for social housing and the quality standards which social housing must satisfy. 

Senedd Cymru has legislated to modernise housing law in Wales, with the following Acts being passed: 

• The Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013 created a new system of regulation for the running of residential caravan sites (but not holiday sites) and protections for those who live on residential caravan sites.  
• The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 provided a new system of regulation for landlords and letting agents in the private rented sector, and reformed the law on homelessness. 
• The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which is in force for limited purposes (guidance and regulation-making powers), will create a simpler set of rules for residential tenancies.
• The Abolition of the Right to Buy and Associated Rights (Wales) Act 2018 was introduced protect the stock of social housing in Wales from further reduction and to ensure its availability for those in need of affordable housing.
• The Renting Homes (Fees Etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 banned landlords from charging residential tenants for a number of letting fees, such as administration fees, references and credit check fees. 
• The Renting Homes (Amendment) (Wales) Act 2021 (in force) will provide (once the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is in force) increased security of tenure to standard occupation contracts.