New rules for landlords and tenants planned for this year

Housing Minister Andrew Green has announced a series of measures to give greater protection to both parties and help reduce often drawn-out conflicts when tenancy agreements end.

The proposals, which have been announced following a public consultation on tenancy agreements, include forcing landlords to complete a signed Standard Condition Report at the beginning of the tenancy detailing the condition of the property and its contents, to avoid disputes over deposits.

Standard forms of notice to be used when either a landlord or a tenant wants to terminate the rental agreement and a standard form of residential tenancy agreement are also proposed.