Reflections on the Renting Homes Act (Wales): A Letting Agent's Perspective

Last week I was asked to attend a Landlord Focus Group online, evaluating the Renting Homes Act (Wales).

As a member of the group which included landlords and professionals in the sector we looked at four main topics 

• Did the RHWA  simplify matters?
• Did the RHWA  give better security of tenure?
• Did the RHWA improve contract holder awareness?
• Did the RHWA Improve Housing Quality?

Let's discuss each point in turn.

Did the RHWA  simplify matters?

In my opinion, absolutely not, the legislation changed contracts and for those who have had to use these contracts agree they are unweildy and overly long at best and downright confusing at worst.

Did the RHWA  give better security of tenure?

To a degree, yes.  However the mass exodus of landlords from the market certainly did nothing for tenants security and while I support giving tenants 6 months notice in order to get a property back, it has only pushed the problem down the road, not taken it away entirely.

Did the RHWA improve contract holder awareness?

In my opinion, no.  I would say Rent Smart Wales improved contactor awareness, rather than the new legilsation. 

Did the RHWA Improve Housing Quality?

Again, to a degree yes.  There will always be difficult properties and situations but the legislation has helped provide a framework to support better standards.

Hopefully, following this focus group, the Welsh Goverment will take stock of the overwhelmingly negative effects of the legislation and consider making adjustments where possible to allow the private rental sector to operate as its designed to and provide landlords with a viable investment and tenants (Contract Holders) with safe, well maintained homes to live in.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, if you're a self managing landlord or one of our managed landlords, I'm always keen to talk all things lettings and can be contacted on 01446 791964 or email me at [email protected]