22nd
Jun 2018
Wales will be banning landlords and agents from charging tenant fees in the private rented sector, following Scotland's lead (since 2012) and England's intention to do so shortly.
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At present the banning of tenants' fees throughout England is going through the legislative process which is expected to come into force next year.
The new Welsh Renting Homes Bill proposes tenants will not have to pay any fees for looking at properties, for an inventory or for either renewing a tenancy or signing a new tenancy agreement.
Under the proposed legislation agents and landlords will only be allowed to charge tenants for rent/tenancy deposits or for tenancy contract breaches.
The fines and penalties that landlords can expect for not complying with the new regulations will be a fixed £500 penalty, unlimited number of fines and the potential of being stripped of their licences.
Rebecca Evans, the Welsh Housing and Regeneration minister, believes that the intended changes will help make the private rented sector far fairer to renters in light of the high increase in numbers of private tenants, which is now 15% of all housing.
Evans said:"This Bill builds on the work we have already done here in Wales through the Housing and Renting Homes Acts to ensure that those wishing to rent in the private sector can expect high standards, fair treatment and transparency.
"Fees charged by letting agents often present a significant barrier to many tenants, especially those on lower incomes. The Bill will mean that tenants no longer face significant upfront fees when they start renting. In most instances they will only need to pay their monthly rent and a security deposit.
"No longer will tenants be charged for an accompanied viewing, receiving an inventory or signing a contract. No longer will they be charged for renewing a tenancy. And no longer will they have to pay check out fees when they move out,’ she explained.
She concluded:"I want renting to be a positive and widely accessible choice for people and this Bill will ensure that rental costs become more reasonable, affordable and transparent."
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