Tenants renting private homes in Wales will have the same protection from eviction as those in England, the Welsh Government has announced.
Emergency legislation will increase landlord notices for at least three months.
Buy to let mortgage repayment holidays will also apply to landlords with property in Wales.
Julie James, the Minister for Housing and Local Government said: “We are taking action to protect Welsh tenants and landlords affected by coronavirus. Whilst it is right that tenants in Wales benefit from this measure, we need to do more to address the underlying issue of possession notices being issued in the first place. We will continue to do all we can to support tenants in Wales.
“It is vital that no renter in Wales will be forced out of their home during this difficult and unprecedented time. These measures will alleviate pressures on landlords to meet mortgage payments and will further reduce pressure on tenants as a result.”
The action comes as far-reaching restrictions to enforce social distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus across the UK were put into place.
Landlord duty of care
Everyone should stay at home unless they are key workers except for going out for exercise, to get medical supplies or basic essential food supplies.
Gatherings in public of more than two people from the same household are also banned.
The measures come into force as the number of deaths rose sharply to 422, with 87 in a day. Confirmed covid-19 cases have risen to 8,077.
Landlords employers are also warned that they have a duty of care to workers, so must enforce the two metre social distancing rule, even if staff are working outside.
Anyone who can work from home should do so, urged Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
