AN ASSEMBLY Member has shown support for a new Bill which will make renting 'fairer and better' for tennants.

Hannah Blythyn, AM for Delyn, has said the approval of the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Bill further illustrates the Welsh Government’s commitment to fairer housing.

Assembly Members approved the bill last week which has key aims of making renting reasonable, affordable and transparent and restricts, in particular, up-front costs tenants can face when moving into or between homes.

The new laws will make it an offence to charge tenants fees for accompanied viewing of properties, receiving an inventory, signing a contract, or renewing a tenancy.

The Welsh Government intends for the bill to be enacted by the autumn.

Hannah Blythyn AM said: "Many residents, particularly those on lower incomes, have too often been at the sharp end of letting fees and this Bill rebalances the relationships between tenants, landlords and agents removing any doubt about what costs need to be budgeted for when renting.

"This will make renting fairer and better, reduce costs to a minimum and serve to clamp down on rogue agents and landlords.

"This is the latest move by the Welsh Government to underline its commitment to ensuring housing is fair, affordable and accessible for all, including the ending of Right to Buy – which our own Flintshire County Council has been a trail blazer on- to protect social housing; and working towards building 20,000 new homes by the end of this Assembly term."