With increased law-making powers moving to Cardiff Bay, the Welsh Government has been flexing its legislative muscles over the past two years, introducing two major pieces of legislation in the residential let sector. Julie Jenkins of Powells Chartered Surveyors in Monmouth says that: “For Landlords and those involved in the management of let residential property, the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 have introduced wide-ranging changes that affect just about every aspect of letting residential property”.

One of the most significant changes is that every Landlord in Wales is now required to register themselves with “Rent Smart Wales” administered by Cardiff County Council. Landlords will also need to register each individual property that they let out. Furthermore, Landlords and agents actively involved in letting and managing residential property must be licenced by Rent Smart Wales.

Julie Jenkins continues that we are now reaching the “crunch point” as although a period of grace has been given to allow Landlords time to adjust to the new requirements, the licensing and registration system will be enforced from November 2016. This means that any Landlords not complying with the new requirements will be at risk of penalties being applied.

To obtain a Licence which would be in place for 5 years, Landlords need to satisfy three requirements – that they are a “fit and proper person”, that they comply with the Code of Practice and that they have undertaken training with an approved training provider.

To assist in meeting the new requirements, Powells is hosting a Landlord’s training day in association with DPA Law, a Rent Smart Wales approved training provider. This will take place at the Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club at The Hendre, Monmouth on Wednesday 3rd August. Those attending will receive the necessary certificate that will enable them to obtain their Landlord Licence from Rent Smart Wales.

For further information and / or to book a place on the training day, please contact Julie Jenkins at Powells on 01600 714140, or email [email protected].