Finally, we have some progress with the imminent requirement for all Landlords with a rental property in Wales to be registered this October.

Yesterday, Housing Minister Lesley Griffiths unveiled the newly branded ‘Rent Smart Wales’, the system for the registration and licensing of Landlords who have property in Wales.

Ms Griffiths said: “We know approximately 184,000 homes in Wales – around one in seven – are now privately rented. With so many people renting, a strong sector with good working practices is absolutely essential.

“The new legislation we are introducing will not only improve the situation for tenants – informing them of their rights and responsibilities – it will also help good landlords by improving the sector’s reputation.

“When Rent Smart Wales is introduced this autumn, it will provide a simple way for landlords to register and for them and their agents to become licensed. Ahead of the changes, I encourage landlords and agents to subscribe to register their interest and to receive useful news and updates.”

The website for Rent Smart Homes is: http://www.rentsmart.gov.wales/en/

The legislation – The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 – gained Royal Assent last September and is due to come into effect this October. It will be a legal requirement for any person who is involved in the day-to-day running of a rental property in Wales to obtain a licence. Alternatively, Landlords can instruct a licensed Letting Agent. All Landlords and properties must be registered either way.

So who does it affect? 
Every Landlord who lets out a residential property in Wales is affected by this legislation. It will be a criminal offense not to have a licence after the Act comes into force. There will be a lead in time of 12 months before any action will be taken against Landlords and Agents who do not comply.

Do I need a Licence? 
Landlords who manage their own properties, (even if they let to a family member or friend) or have any type of interest in managing the property (such as arranging repairs) will need a licence. 

How do I get a Licence?
In order to get a licence you will need to ensure you:

· Are a fit and proper person

· Undertake a day’s training course with Rent Smart Wales https://www.welshlandlords.org.uk

· Register each property you rent in Wales

· Register your own details

· Pay a licensing fee (yet to be set)

Once licenses have been obtained they should be valid for 5 years.

What if I have a Managed Service? 

You will still need to register your details and your property with Rent Smart Wales but you will not need to obtain a licence. Your Letting Agent will require a licence and every member of their staff will have been required to undertake training in order for the company to have obtained the licence.

McCartan Lettings are Accredited with Landlord Accreditation Wales and should be one of the first Agents to obtain the licence in Swansea when it becomes available.

The Rent Smart Wales website isn’t fully operational as yet, as soon as we have more news we will publish it as soon as we can.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to discuss how this legislation affects you, please do not hesitate in giving us a call.