The Welsh Government says this is a bid to tackle rogue landlords and some of the ‘questionable practices’ of others.
In addition, landlords will have to pass a ‘fit and proper person test’ which will formalise a voluntary scheme that is already running and is part of a concerted bid to push-up standards.
Worryingly for landlords, the prospect of being fined for not meeting guidelines is being introduced and there is to be a legal right for a tenant with a ‘bad landlord’ to withhold rent.
The White Paper lays out the Welsh Government’s intentions and it says the signing of the register would be mandatory before a landlord could take on tenants and it highlights what it calls ‘extremes’ of good and bad practice.
Landlords to be regulated in Wales
The White Paper also points out that there are good landlords but some tenants are forced into difficult situations by ‘unscrupulous operators’ who offer insecurity, poor conditions and, sometimes, the threat of eviction.
It adds: “With a lack of other options, this means that many people renting, often vulnerable people, have to put up with questionable practices of some landlords and lettings and management agents.”
The White Paper also highlights ‘questionable’ costs and charges being levied on tenants.
The move to force landlords to register has been slammed by the Residential Landlord Association (RLA) in Wales who say the move to tackle the country’s rogue landlords is not the best use of resources.
Douglas Haig, a director of the Welsh RLA said: “This is already a heavy regulated sector and we aren’t keen on seeing more legislation.
“This is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut and we can’t see this as a cost-effective way for the government to achieve what they are aiming for.”
Tenants can withhold rent from ‘bad landlords’
He added that most of the private rented sector saw high levels of satisfaction among tenants.
The RLA’s views were echoed by the Conservative’s Mark Isherwood, the Shadow Housing Minister, who said: “The approach by the Government is unbalanced because it favours the stick rather than a carrot and it also risks punishing good landlords and discouraging others wishing to rent out their home.”
The Bill also aims to tackle homes which are left lying empty for long periods and will allow councils in Wales to impose a council tax charge on those empty for more than a year; they can charge 150% of the standard council tax charge if they chose to use it.
