Landlords in the UK are being reminded that new legislation means that if they own a letting property in Wales they are breaking the law if they are not registered.
New legislation was introduced last year requiring anyone letting a property in Wales to register themselves and their properties. But the enforcement period has now begun and those who have failed to register face sanctions, including prosecution.
It also requires landlords self-managing their properties and agents to obtain a licence following the completion of a relevant training course and passing a ‘fit and proper’ person assessment.
The law applies to all landlords with property in Wales, not just those who live in Wales themselves. Those who are not compliant could find themselves subject to fixed penalty notices and rent repayment orders. In addition, landlords may not be able to secure possession of their property using a section 21 notice, if they are operating outside the law themselves.
A searchable register is now available on the Rent Smart Wales website allowing tenants and the wider public to check whether landlords and agents are breaking the law.
Bethan Jones, operational manager of Rent Smart Wales, explained that the process for complying is straightforward and can be completed online. Once completed, a registration and licence lasts for a period of five years.
Chris Northall, a private landlord living in Ellesmere, Shropshire, who has two rental properties in Wales heard about the change on the radio. ‘This prompted me to find out more information about the scheme and whether it was relevant to me, as I’m based over the border in England. Having discovered that I needed to register, I found the process very easy and it has given me peace of mind that I’m not breaking the law,’ he said.
Jones urged any landlords or agents with properties in Wales and who have not yet registered or become licensed, to contact Rent Smart Wales immediately to avoid legal action.
‘We are still keen to assist those who willingly want to comply. We’ve worked closely with industry experts to develop the Rent Smart Wales scheme, which we firmly believe will help make the private rental sector in Wales a better place for tenants, landlords and agents,’ she added.
