Rent Smart Wales has more potential to elevate standards
In response to the Welsh Government’s call for evidence, Propertymark has shared members’ views on the impact of the legislation on their operations and business practices. We recognise that Rent Smart Wales (RSW) has achieved some progress in regulating and improving the private rental sector (PRS) and have made specific recommendations for how the Senedd can build on this going forward.
Avoid rent controls at all costs, Propertymark tells Senedd Committee
Our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, gave evidence to the Local Government and Housing Committee inquiry into the private rented sector (PRS) in Wales, urging them to learn lessons from the impact in Scotland and elaborating on key measures which were contained in Propertymark’s written evidence, such as a review of taxation, improved data collection, and a clear strategic plan to positively move the sector forward.
Controls will not result in adequate housing and fair rents for Wales
Without introducing measures that tackle tenant demand and landlord costs, property standards will reduce, landlords will leave the sector and rents will rise. This has been evidenced when rent controls have been implemented across Europe and the United States and is currently the case in Scotland.
Restrict licensing to priority areas only
Recognising the fact that some members in Wales operate for landlords of short-term holiday lets, Propertymark has responded to the Welsh Government’s consultation to establish a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation in Wales.
Fact sheet: Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
The Renting Homes (Wales) Act replaces existing legislation from the Housing Act 2004 with a new tenancy structure for Wales. The primary purpose is to make the legal framework easier to understand and will also mark a key separation in legislation between Wales and England.
Renting Homes (Wales) Act Occupation Contracts
The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 brings together several complex pieces of legislation into a single legal framework. We worked closely with the Welsh Government to help agents prepare and have produced the new Model Occupation Contracts, which Rent Smart Wales has also reviewed.
Welsh Government opens Tenancy Hardship Grant applications
The announcement by the Minister of Climate Change Julie James MS, who also has a responsibility over housing, also marks the closure of the Tenancy Saver Loan scheme.
Safer buildings in Wales
We responded to the Welsh Government’s consultation on improving building safety by supporting the proposed measures. However, we also urged them to consider the height of buildings, occupation and material used to build property to determine fire risk rather than simply the number of dwellings.
Propertymark releases action plan for next Welsh Government
With the Welsh elections due to take place in May, Propertymark has published its manifesto containing key asks to support the housing sector in Wales.
Issue 33 March / April 2019
Issue 33 tackles key issue facing the property industry including the changing face of Land Registry, The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, Rent Smart Wales and is the high street still an agent's home?
Rent Smart Wales enforcement intensifies
It's now been well over two years since the introduction of Rent Smart Wales. Here we take a look at recent enforcement activity, with rent repayment orders becoming more common and enforcement teams showing renewed vigour to ensure that no stone is left unturned.
Fact sheet: Rent Smart Wales
The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 became law on 17 September 2014. The aim of the Act is to improve the supply, quality and standards of housing in Wales.