Another new rule for Landlords in Wales

New rules coming into effect in Wales from the end of February will mean landlords will require planning permission to convert a house from use as a single household to a shared rental property of 3 to 6 unrelated people, commonly known as Homes for Multiple Occupancy (HMO)

Landlords will need to pay a fee of £380 upfront when they apply for the planning permission, this is similar to the way the scheme works in England, there will be no guarantee that permission will be granted however.

The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) Vice Chairman for Wales, Douglas Haig reportedly said: “All the evidence shows that Wales needs more, not less rented housing. It beggars belief therefore that landlords are being clobbered once again, expected to pay up for planning permission to convert the use of properties.

“The reality is that landlords will have little option other than to raise rents or exit the market altogether faced with the growing costs of renting housing. Either way, it is tenants who will lose out.

“We call on the government to think again about these planning changes which will simply become a cash cow for local authorities.”

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Letting Agent Talk

29 is the age house sharing becomes ‘embarrassing’

but 11% still do it, according to new Nationwide research That equates to 27 million admitting they have felt embarrassed about their living situation With 69% saying living alone is unaffordable, it’s no surprise the average age of those in house shares is 35 From moving home (12%) to living with an ex (10%), as…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

1 in 5 London Homes Listed in Last 30 Days

The latest research from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, reveals that one in five homes currently for sale in London have been added to the market within the last 30 days, as sellers respond to strong buyer demand. Demand for London homes is strong Benham and Reeves has analysed current residential property…
Read More
Commercial Agent Talk

Biggest block management headaches revealed

The latest insight from property management specialist, Rushbrook & Rathbone, has found that utilities, cleaning and gardening are the most common block management requirements, accounting for almost two thirds of all call-outs and maintenance tasks carried out in 2025. Rushbrook & Rathbone’s internal data shines a light on what most frequently drives costs when it…
Read More
Home and Living

Invasive plants could be damaging your property

What every homeowner needs to know. Invasive plants growing in your garden could be causing serious and costly damage to your property without your realising. Some species can undermine foundations, cracking patios and driveways, and spreading rapidly beyond your boundaries, potentially leading to disputes with neighbours. The financial impact can be significant. Left untreated, these…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rents stand still at start of the year for the first time since 2017

The average advertised rent of homes outside of London remains flat (0.0%) at £1,370 per calendar month, the first time since 2017 that there has been no rise from Q4 to Q1: Average advertised rents in London rose by 0.7% this quarter to £2,736pcm Average rents outside of London are still 1.6% higher than this time last year, though this is the lowest this figure has been since 2018…
Read More
Breaking News

London estate agents represent best value added

The latest research from AgentWise, the agent community helping to support estate agents through global collaboration and market insight, has found that London estate agents represent the best value added during the transaction process when compared to many other global property hotspots, with the average commission earned per property sitting well below other major global…
Read More