Rent Smart Wales now launched
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.