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Landlords in Wales reminded to register for Rent Smart Wales (13 July 2016)

Date: 13/07/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Landlords in Wales reminded to register for Rent Smart Wales

The Welsh Assembly Communities and Children’s Secretary Carl Sargeant has reminded landlords in Wales of the need to register for Rent Smart Wales.

As a result of the Housing Act (Wales) 2014, all private landlords have until 23 November 2016 to register themselves and their properties with Rent Smart Wales.

Landlords involved in letting and management activities will also have to undertake training.

The Welsh Assembly says that Rent Smart Wales aims to drive up standards in the private rented sector – the call centre run by the City of Cardiff Council, as the designated licensing authority for Wales, deals with queries from landlords and agents and helps them to register and apply for a licence.

The Cabinet Secretary also launched the next phase of the campaign in the lead up to the deadline, to inform landlords of the legal requirement to register – and advise tenants of their right to have a properly registered and licensed landlord or agent.

Mr Sargeant said:

“Rent Smart Wales is a landmark scheme that will drive up standards in the private rented sector, by requiring managing landlords and agents to undertake training to ensure they are clear on their responsibilities.

“It will help prevent the involvement of rogue, and even criminal, landlords and agents in the management and letting of properties.

“The scheme will help to protect tenants in the private rented sector – and will support good landlords and agents by helping them keep abreast of their responsibilities and legal obligations, raising the reputation of the sector as a whole.

“The deadline for registration is now less than five months away – I would urge those who have not yet done so to discharge their legal responsibilities to register as soon as possible because, while registration can be completed simply and quickly on-line, the licensing process can take up to eight weeks to complete.”

City of Cardiff Council Cabinet Member, Councillor Bob Derbyshire, added:

“Landlords and agents will have had a full year to ensure they register, get trained and become licensed under the new scheme.

“Although 23 November is the deadline for compliance – and, to many people, that may seem like a distant – we are keen to stress the importance of becoming licensed sooner, rather than later.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing law, including advising on landlords’ obligations under the Housing Act.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and our housing team is also able to advise on:

• Conveyancing services
• Council’s obligations to re-house
• Debt management for homeowners
• Disrepair of rented property
• Homelessness
• Housing Benefit
• Housing possession
• Landlord and tenant disputes
• Lease extensions
• Local Authority housing
• Mortgage repossession
• Notice to quit
• Nuisance neighbours
• Right to Buy
• Right to Rent checks
• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.

For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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