A clear stance against rent controls
The Welsh Government has acknowledged the lack of evidence supporting rent controls as an effective measure to improve affordability and has decided not to introduce them at this stage.
We welcome this decision and will continue to caution against rent controls, highlighting their potential to reduce rental supply and discourage investment in the sector. Instead, Propertymark calls for better, more localised rental data to inform fair policy decisions.
Improving rental data for better policy
To build a more accurate picture of market rents and affordability challenges, the White Paper proposes enhanced data collection. Propertymark supports this initiative and suggests letting agents and landlords submit rental data through Rent Smart Wales. This approach could improve Local Housing Allowance calculations and ensure fairer benefit assessments. However, for this to work effectively, it must be simple for agents to participate, and there must be clarity on how the data is used.
Annual property checks and standards
Propertymark has also backed proposals for landlords and agents to complete Annual Property Check Records that could improve understanding of how many landlords operate in the private rental market and help boost overall housing standards. To make this initiative successful, Rent Smart Wales must have additional resources to implement the checks effectively.
Supporting tenants with pets
Another key proposal in the White Paper is making it easier for tenants with pets to access rental properties. We agree with allowing landlords to take additional pet deposits but have raised concerns about whether suitable insurance products are available.
Clear guidance is needed about when landlords can reasonably refuse a pet, plus there should be more support for pet referencing, including the use of ‘pet CVs’.
What this means for property professionals
For estate and letting agents in Wales, these proposals could lead to significant changes in how rental data is recorded and how tenancy agreements are structured. Propertymark will continue engaging with the Welsh Government to ensure that any new policies are fair and do not deter landlords from providing much-needed homes.
Agents should keep a close eye on further developments and be prepared to contribute rental data where required, as well as review processes for handling deposits, tenancy applications, and rental records to ensure compliance with upcoming regulations.
Next steps
Propertymark will continue campaigning for balanced reforms that protect tenants while ensuring a strong rental market. We encourage our members to engage with the consultation process and stay informed as the proposals develop.
The White Paper comes at the same time as the publication of the Local Government and Housing Committee’s recommendations into their inquiry into the private rented sector. While there is some duplication, both reports have some good proposals.
Our key message, that we will continue to convey to the Welsh Government, is that they must consider the impact proposals will have on the supply in the PRS. Given the potential impact, we are pleased that the Welsh Government has ruled out rent controls until rental data improves. We will continue to make the case for more positive methods to increase supply and achieve affordability
