Landlord's Guide (inc. Rent Smart Wales)

Rent Smart Wales

Under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, there are legal obligations on landlords who have rental property in Wales.

We are fully conversant with a landlord's obligations and are able to assist with any general or specific enquiries that you may have. In brief, the main provisions of the Act are:

Landlords operating anywhere in Wales can comply with the new law by completing the appropriate application on the Rent Smart Wales website. To start the process, you must create an account.

Landlord Registration
Any landlord who has a rental property in Wales which is rented on an assured shorthold or regulated tenancy is required to register. Depending on how a property is owned will determine who needs to register it. All registrations are done with Rent Smart Wales.

Landlord Licensing
Landlords who are not involved in setting up tenancies and managing their rental properties do not need a licence; however they must use a licensed agent and register as a landlord declaring their agent on the registration. Landlords who do undertake letting and management tasks at their rental properties in Wales are required to apply for a licence. Such landlords are often described as 'self-managing'.

Professional Inventories
Inventories are indispensable to the administration and maintenance of a property and should never be undervalued. In short, they promote a positive, honest and fair relationship between a Landlord and Tenant, and serve to avoid any misunderstandings. We use professional independent inventory clerks who specialise in preparing and managing inventories. It is their job to visit properties and record thoroughly everything inside them, as well as their state of repair. This document is essential to protect the condition of your property. Without this document, the Landlord may have no legal entitlement in the event of a dispute and therefore may not be able to make any deductions from a Tenant's deposit.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
It is a legal requirement for all Landlords to provide an Energy Performance Certificate to a new tenant. EPC's are valid for 10 years. More information.

Tenant Referencing
There is absolutely no guarantee but having an effective screening process, which includes having your tenants complete a comprehensive Tenancy Application Form and undertaking thorough credit & reference checks, considerably reduces your risk of taking on a problem tenant. Under the new rules of The Immigration Act 2014, landlords who fail to check a potential tenant's 'Right to Rent' will face penalties of up to £3,000 per tenant. We offer a Right to Rent Check on all prospective tenants in addition to a comprehensive check.

Deposit Protection
DJP Newland Rennie register all tenant deposits with The Deposit Protection Service in line with the Housing Act 2004 which requires Tenancy Deposit Protection for all Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST's). We will also liaise with all parties when it comes to the end of the tenancy and the release of the deposit.

Insurance
As a landlord, you will need a particular type of insurance for properties you rent out to tenants. This cover usually includes the same type of protection as your usual house insurance, such as cover for buildings and contents in the event of a range of circumstances. However, you need certain extra cover as a landlord, including for:

• Non payment of rent
• Damage to your property (by the tenant)
• Loss of earnings/rehousing costs if the tenants have to move out (following an insured event)
• Liability for accidents in your property causing injury

Lettings Team