Landlords and Agents Based in the UK Could be Breaking the Law Without Knowing
It has been announced that Landlords and agents based in the UK that have properties in Wales could be breaking the Law without even knowing it. Because of the changes made to the law, Landlords and agent that operate in Wales could find themselves on the wrong side of the law by not keeping informed about the newest regulations.
Rent Smart Wales is a scheme that has now got activated enforcement powers. The legislation was first introduced last year and is a part of the Housing Act (Wales) 2014. This new legislation states that all landlords must register themselves and their properties. As well as the new registration requirements, all of the self-managing landlords and agents must also get hold of a license which is given after they undertake the necessary training course as well as having to pass a person assessment to ensure that they are classed as fit and proper for the undertaking.
Even though the name of the new regulations is Rent Smart Wales, the legislation covers all landlords that have properties in Wales, not just those who reside in Wales. Now that the enforcement powers for the legislation are active, those that don’t comply to the registration and certification that is needed to rent property in Wales, they could face a variety of different sanctions. Through the enforcement powers, landlords could face prosecution, fixed penalties rent stopping and rent repayment orders if they have no met the new regulations. Landlords may also risk not being able to secure the possession of their property through the use of a Section 21 notice if it is found that they are working outside the law.
On the Rent Smart Wales website there is now a searchable register that will allow tenants and landlords alike as well as the wider public to see if their landlords or agents are breaking the law. The compliance process has been designed to be quick and easy and can be completed online. Once the regulations have been met and approved, the licence and registration of the landlord or agent will last for five years.
