Rent Smart Wales now launched

November 23, 2015

With around one in seven homes in Wales now privately rented, the Welsh Government housing minister Lesley Griffiths today launches the “Rent Smart Wales Scheme”, this scheme is meant to uphold standards in the private rented sector.

The aim of the licensing scheme is to improve the image of the private rented sector, all private landlords will be required to register with the scheme and they will also have to register their properties, landlords and agents will have one year to comply with the new legal obligations before facing legal action.

Lesley Griffiths reportedly said: “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.”

Cardiff Council will serve as the licensing authority for Rent Smart Wales.

 

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

Breaking News

Mortgage Borrowing Dip

Key points: Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals decreased to £3.9 billion in September, from £4.2 billion in August, below the previous 6-month average of £4.9 billion. Net mortgage approvals for house purchases decreased to 53,400 in September, below an average of around 58,800 over the previous 6-months. Approvals for remortgaging increased to 42,600…
Read More →
Breaking News

Autumn Budget 2026: Property industry reaction

Following today’s Autumn Budget, reaction from property industry experts on six key areas for the property market. First-time buyer support: The £4.7bn Your First Home equity loan scheme, supporting 70,000 buyers, alongside the introduction of a new First Time Buyer ISA. Inflation and borrowing costs: The extension of the fuel duty freeze, household energy support…
Read More →
Breaking News

Can you legally BAN Halloween Trick or Treaters?

People who dread the annual knock of trick-or-treaters may have more power to keep Halloween callers away than they realise. As millions of children prepare to take to the streets on October 31, a property law expert has explained what homeowners can do if they do not want strangers walking up their path or knocking…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

What the sector need to do differently to give first time buyers a chance

By Peter Hawley, Director, SOWN (part of LRG) The mortgage and property sector needs to stop assuming that younger buyers are either ready to buy outright or not ready at all. For many, the reality is somewhere in between. They may have stable employment, a deposit and a strong desire to own, but still find…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

The 50-property tipping point: when landlords need a different approach

By Adam Hills, Client Services Director, LRG Living Markets A sizeable residential property portfolio can create significant opportunities for long-term income and capital growth. But as it expands, so does the complexity of managing it effectively. For landlords with 50 or more properties, the challenge extends well beyond finding tenants or collecting rent to communication,…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Home is where the stress is

Couples find first-time buying more anxiety-inducing than buying solo First-time buying: Anxiety doubles when finding a home with your partner! Stress and anxiety significantly increase when buying a first home with your partner compared to flying solo The likes of searching for a property, applying for mortgages and progressing through the legalities are all significantly…
Read More →