Rent Smart Wales

Requirement for landlords and agents

The legislation introducing landlord registration and the requirement for landlords and agents who let or manage rental properties in Wales to be licensed 
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Landlord / Managing Agent Requirements Checklist

If you are a landlord (including self-managing landlords), you must:

  • Register as a landlord
  • Apply for a Landlord Licence if you perform management activities at your own property (Self-Managed)
  • Link your property to a Licenced Agent if they manage the property for you.
  • Pay required registration fee (for each property) and/or licence fee (Self-Managed)
  • Be assessed as a fit and proper person (Self-Managed)
  • Follow the official Code of Practice
  • Ensure any property management or maintenance you do meets legal standards (Self-Managed)

Rent Smart Wales Legislation

The legislation introducing landlord registration and the requirement for landlords and agents who let or manage rental properties in Wales to be licensed came into force on 23 November 2015 under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. From that point, landlords and agents were encouraged to register and meet their new legal responsibilities. The legislation allowed a 12-month compliance period during which those affected could comply without penalty or risk of committing an offence.

The enforcement provisions have since been brought into effect. This means that Rent Smart Wales, working alongside local authority partners across Wales, is now able to take action to ensure compliance. Failure to comply with the legislation is now an offence.

To assist landlords and agents, key points are summarised below.

  • Landlords are required to complete the appropriate application via the Rent Smart Wales website in order to comply with their legal obligations under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.
  • The requirement for landlords and agents to register and for those undertaking lettings and management activities to hold a licence came into effect under the legislation, with compliance and enforcement provisions fully in force from 23 November 2016. Failure to comply with the legislation may result in enforcement action and penalties.
  • Fees apply for landlord registration, landlord licensing, and agent licensing.
  • The cost of any required training is separate from the licensing fee and will vary depending on the training course undertaken.
  • Where a landlord does not hold a licence to carry out lettings or management activities, those activities must instead be undertaken by a licensed agent acting on their behalf. In such cases, responsibility for those activities is delegated to the licensed agent in accordance with the legislation.

If you have any queries regarding your obligations, you may contact the lettings team for further advice or visit the Rent Smart Wales Website:

https://rentsmart.gov.wales/en/home/

What our clients say

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It was an incredibly stressful time due to pressure from other estate agents and the pressures of selling and buying, but Anna was always calm, helpful, and knowledgeable. Natalaya, Mitchell, and Gina were all fantastic, and I cannot thank you enough.
Laura — for our Pontcanna Team

From start to finish, the team were amazing, and I felt truly looked after while selling my house. At the initial meeting with Rhodri, I felt completely in safe hands. He spoke about his team, and after meeting them, I could see why—everyone was incredible and made me feel like I was dealing with friends. You sold my lovely home so I could begin my dream life in the country, and I will always be truly grateful to you all.

Laura — for our Pontcanna Team
Fantastic service from the Hern and Crabtree Heath team. The most stress free house move due to great online pictures and a very quick sale (they secured an offer over asking price) and updates throughout the whole process from offer to completion. Would definitely recommend.
Kate Lacey — for our Heath Team
Absolutely outstanding service by Ryan! He absolutely went above and beyond to secure our tenancy agreement, and kept us informed. I wish every letting agent were this good.
Katrina Williams — for our Lettings Team

Definitely recommend H&C. We dealt with their exceptional team at the Llandaff branch and found their advice, guidance and customer care to be of the highest standard. Owen, Mike and Gareth were great throughout. As was all the H&C team who could not have been more helpful.

Simon Bird — for our Llandaff Team
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Fees

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Refundable Holding deposit - Capped at 1 weeks rent

Security Deposit - Capped at 5 weeks rent for annual rental under £50,000, or 6 weeks rent for annual rental over £50,000

Rent - The agreed monthly rent

Changes to tenancy - Capped at £100 inc VAT

Early termination charge - Not exceeding the landlord’s financial losses

Late payment of rent - Interest of 3% above BoE base rate for each day the rent is late, once it is 14 days overdue

Replacement keys - Reasonable costs or give the tenant the option to purchase themselves

Utilities, council tax, communication services, TV Licence etc - Tenants own responsibility unless otherwise stated in contract