Housing Solicitors

Welsh Assembly Housing Minister Lesley Griffiths has said that Wales is leading the way in driving up standards in the private rental sector.

Wales has launched its new registration and licensing scheme to prevent rogue landlords and agents from letting and managing properties in Wales.

The scheme will also raise awareness among landlords, agents and tenants of their respective rights and responsibilities under the law.

From 23 November, all private landlords across Wales were required to register with Rent Smart Wales.

They will also have to register their properties even if a landlord wants to manage the property themselves – and they must demonstrate they are “fit and proper” to hold a licence and then undertake and pass approved training.

Landlords will also be able to appoint a licensed agent to manage the property on their behalf, however.

Landlords and agents have one year to comply with their new legal obligations, without fear of legal action.

Minister with responsibility for housing, Lesley Griffiths, said:

"With around one in seven homes in Wales now privately rented, a strong sector with good working practices is absolutely vital.

“I am proud Wales is leading the way on improving professionalism across the private rented sector. Our new, landmark scheme will drive up standards by making Wales the first country in the UK where managing landlords and agents are required to undertake training to ensure they are clear on their responsibilities.

“The changes will prevent rogue and even criminal landlords and agents from being involved in the management and letting of properties. This will help to protect tenants in the private rented sector – including students, lone parents and young families.

“Rent Smart Wales will also support good landlords and agents by helping them keep abreast of their responsibilities and legal obligations, and raising the reputation of the sector as a whole.”

The City of Cardiff Council is the licensing authority for Rent Smart Wales and Councillor Bob Derbyshire – City of Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Environment – added:

“As the Single Licensing Authority for Rent Smart Wales, the council is delighted to be working with Welsh Government to deliver these important new registration and licensing requirements.

“Wales really is setting the standard with Rent Smart Wales, which will ‘professionalise’ the private rented sector – an increasingly important housing option for many people.

“By supporting and educating landlords and agents for the benefit of tenants, Rent Smart Wales aims to improve the practices of landlords and agents and help to tackle the bad landlords who give the sector a poor reputation.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise rental tenants in the private sector on a wide range of housing matters, including disrepair and landlord’s duty to repair, as well as tenancy agreements – and landlord and tenant disputes.

Duncan Lewis can also advise private sector landlords on their legal duty to tenants and other landlord and tenant matters, including:

• Antisocial behaviour
• Landlord & tenant disputes
• Section 146 Notice (notice to quit)
• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.

For expert legal advice on private rental housing matters, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.