Under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, there are new legal obligations on landlords who have rental property in Wales.  If you own a property in Wales that you rent out on an assured, assured shorthold or regulated tenancy then you will be affected.

These regulations came int force on 26th November 2015. The Welsh Government is to give a year’s grace in order for landlords to comply.

Landlord Registration

Any landlord who has a rental property in Wales which is rented on an assured, assured shorthold or regulated tenancy is required to register.  Depending on how a property is owned will determine who needs to register it.  All registrations are done through Rent Smart Wales.

Registration is not the end of it though. No, that’s just to create a list of landlords. Whoever manages the property is required to hold a licence.

Landlord Licensing

Landlords who are not involved in setting up tenancies and managing their rental properties do not need a licence; however they must use a licensed agent and register as a landlord declaring their agent on the registration.  Landlords who do undertake letting and management tasks at their rental properties in Wales are required to apply for a licence.  Such landlords are often described as ‘self-managing.

Big Changes

These changes are significant and have wide ranging implications for landlords (and managing agents and tenants too). To find out more The Welsh Government have set up a dedicated website here.