OnTheMarket PropTech ready for radical rental regulations reform

TecLet, the software platform business now rebranding as part of OnTheMarket Software, has been updated to accommodate radical changes to the Welsh lettings landscape from December 1. 

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, eventually coming into effect in five weeks time, is described by the Welsh Government as the biggest shift in housing law in decades, and will make permanent the already-applied six month tenancy notice. It also outlaws the issuing of notice within the first six months of a tenancy, meaning that in effect there is a minimum tenancy a 12 month period. 

This means that tenants in Wales will have the greatest protection from the start of their contract than in any other part of the UK.

The Act also gives protection against any retaliatory eviction should a landlord try to remove a tenant for seeking repairs to a property.

Alan Blockley, chief executive at TecLet, says: “The changes brought about by this new legislation are extensive and I am delighted to confirm that agents using our platform are able to seamlessly operate under the new requirements in a compliant and efficient manner. 

“The development of suites of new documents also coincides with a new editing tool within our platform that enables all agents to amend tenancy, terms of business and email documentation. Compliance is strictly maintained via the user permissions set and agreed within the platform.” 

Under the new legislation, tenants and licensees will become 'contract-holders’; tenancy agreements will be replaced with 'occupation contracts'. 

Contract-holders will legally need to receive a written contract setting out their rights and responsibilities. There will be an increase in the ‘no fault’ notice period from two to six months and improved succession rights, setting out who has a right to continue to live in a dwelling, for example after the current tenant dies.

The legislation provides more flexible arrangements for joint contract-holders, making it easier to add or remove others to an occupation contract. 

For landlords there will be two types of contracts: ‘Secure’ for the social rented sector and ‘Standard’ for the private rented sector. 

There is a stronger focus on ensuring homes are fit for human habitation. This includes electrical safety testing and ensuring working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are fitted.

TecLet has added new functionality within its lettings platform that integrates the new agreements and emails will reference all tenants as contract-holders. Notices can be served from within the platform and written statements and new agreement types are available for current tenancies. 

The platform already manages gas and electrical safety certificates and smoke and carbon monoxide legislation requirements.