Landlord Accreditation is changing in Wales. New laws are being introduced this autumn 2015 that will require private landlords to register and private landlords or their agents to obtain a licence to operate.
Licensing will be based on training. An individual or business will need to apply for one licence for all their rental properties in Wales.
Soon the Landlord Accreditation Wales (LAW) scheme, administered by Cardiff Council on behalf of the local authority partnership, will be changing. The Welsh Government is introducing a new law from autumn this year that will place new legal obligations on private landlords and agents operating in Wales.
The new registration and licensing scheme will be delivered via Rent Smart Wales. If you rent out accommodation in this area, private landlords and agents will need to register and obtain a licence from Rent Smart Wales.
You will still need to apply for individual property licences for Houses in Multiple Occupation.
What should I do now?
If you haven’t already completed Landlord Accreditation Wales training, you can still complete this now. When the new Act is introduced it will be to your advantage that you have completed the training as you will have little extra to do to obtain a licence.
I rent out property but I don’t want to be trained and get a licence. Can I do this?
If you rent out accommodation you will have to register with Rent Smart Wales by law, but this will be a quick process which you can do on-line. As part of the registration, you will have to state who undertakes letting and management at the property. If you employ an agent for this work on your behalf, you must make sure they are licensed to do so.
Landlords and agents will be granted a year from introduction of the scheme to comply with its new requirements, by autumn 2016. After this time, landlords and agents found to be operating outside the system will be penalised by the local Council.
How to be kept up to date about the implementation of the new law
To find out more about the new law which will apply to all private landlords and agents in Wales, visit the Rent Smart Wales website and subscribe to updates.
How to book on training leading up to autumn 2015 and the introduction of the new legislation
Visit the Landlord Accreditation Wales scheme’s website or contact the scheme administrator:
Landlord Accreditation Wales
c/o
Cardiff Council
City Hall
Cardiff
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