Rent Smart Wales process landlord registrations and grant licences to landlords and agents who need to comply with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. The legislation made provision for those who needed to comply to do so within a year, without fear of repercussion.
Rent Smart Wales is a service hosted by Cardiff Council but ensures compliance with the legislation in partnership with 22 Welsh local authorities. The Welsh Ministers designated Cardiff Council as the Licensing Authority for the whole of Wales in 2015. The designation can be read on the legislation website
Rent Smart Wales – are you complying?
Landlords and agents with properties in Blaenau Gwent or any other part of Wales are reminded that Rent Smart Wales enforcement powers are now active.
The Welsh Government scheme, that is helping to raise standards in the private rented sector, requires all private landlords to register themselves and their properties. Landlords and Agents who let and manage property must also get a licence.
Since November 23, 2016, enforcement powers have been active and landlords and agents who are not complying with the law could face a variety of sanctions including prosecution, fixed penalty notices, rent stopping and rent repayment orders.
Local authorities across Wales, including Blaenau Gwent Council are working with Rent Smart Wales to identify those still not complying with the law. Councils are now prosecuting those who have failed to comply.
If you are a landlord or agent yet to comply, don’t delay. It’s important that you take the necessary steps now to comply and avoid action.
If you are a tenant and want to check if your landlord and/or agent is complying, you can visit the Rent Smart Wales online public register here: https://www.rentsmart.gov.wales/en/check-register/.
If they are not registered, you can contact Rent Smart Wales here
For more information about Rent Smart Wales contact www.rentsmart.gov.wales/ or call 03000 133344