5th
Feb 2017
Rent Smart Wales is undergoing an investigation after it inadvertently 'leaked' names and details of hundreds of landlords by email of those that had failed to register with the scheme.
The scheme was introduced to raise the rental sector's standards which was made mandatory for all landlords renting out properties in Wales. Rent Smart Wales contacted all the landlords that had started the signing up process but had not completed their registration, but they had stupidly listed all of the email addresses in the message.
The Welsh government's intention was to root out 'rogue' landlords and make sure that they complied with its regulations and standards of behaviour. There are approximately 208,000 privately rented 'homes' in Wales and only 65% had been registered by the November deadline. Cardiff council was responsible for the email 'leak' which read: ‘We are writing this email to you as you have a started but not completed (sic) landlord registration with Rent Smart Wales.’
Cardiff council states that they are aware of the situation and are looking into the matter.
A body of landlords for Wales spokesperson, said: "We have long been warning of the need for greater security around the Rent Smart scheme to prevent this kind of error occurring. With landlords and letting agents expected to register by law, they need to have the confidence that their personal details will be handled sensitively. Whilst we are sure this was an innocent mistake and a simple case of human error, we would like to see measures put in place to ensure it cannot happen again."
Cardiff council spokesperson stated: "Rent Smart Wales is aware that an issue arose on February 2, 2017 in relation to contacting customers. Rent Smart Wales and the City of Cardiff Council take data protection seriously. The matter is currently being investigated in line with the council’s data protection policies."
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