We Spoke – They Listened: Key NRLA recommendations welcomed in Welsh Government reports

The Welsh Government has accepted key NRLA proposals for reform of the  private rented sector - and rejected calls for rent controls - in two new reports out this week.

The first, the Local Government and Housing Committee Report on the state of Welsh PRS outlines major issues faced by the private sector, with Fair Rents & Adequate Housing White Paper proposing a range of measures the Government believes can help improve the supply and condition of rental homes.

Key asks

The Local Government and Housing Committee Report supported an approach put forward by the NRLA in response to its consultation, submitted earlier this year.

This included calls for:

• A long-term strategy for the private rented sector in Wales
• Action to tackle recruitment issues in environmental health and enforcement
• A regular Welsh Housing Survey to ensure housing policy is informed by robust, reliable data.

We also asked the Welsh Government to release a formal statement setting out how it will address housing needs across the PRS.

In the Fair Rents & Adequate Housing White Paper the Government  revealed it will be consulting on another NRLA recommendation – a proposal that a higher rate Land Transaction Tax rebate be introduced for landlords purchasing properties to let via Leasing Scheme Wales.

This incentive is designed to encourage investment in properties that cater to tenants in urgent need of housing and is a move we believe would address the growing supply-demand imbalance in the Welsh rental market.

Crucially this report also ruled out rent controls, after the NRLA lobbied on the issue of proposed rent caps, warning they would further reduce the supply of high-quality rented accommodation in Wales.

Long-term strategy

Welcoming the reports, NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle said: "Introducing rent controls would be a disastrous move, reducing choice and driving up costs, so I am delighted the Government has opted to put the kibosh on this and instead support supply.

“The Committee report highlights the critical need for a long-term strategy for the Welsh PRS, which is the first step when it comes to creating a vibrant rental market in Wales.

"Ultimately, we all want the same thing; positive action to tackle the rental housing supply crisis and encourage investment. We now look forward to working with the Welsh Government to shape their future proposals to support both landlords and tenants.”

More information

• To read more about our campaigns work in Wales click here.
• The NRLA Training Academy offers a Renting Homes Wales Act training course helping landlords and agents with properties in Wales get to grips with legislation brought in under the Renting Homes Wales Act (2016).
• The academy is also an approved provider of Rent Smart Wales training, a mandatory part of the licence application, and has been awarded high assurance for the quality of delivery.
• If you have properties in Wales be sure to opt in for our monthly Wales-only enewsletter via your NRLA account preferences.