Recommendations for the Welsh PRS adopted by Senedd committee

The Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee has welcomed Propertymark’s suggestions for enhancing the private rented sector (PRS) in Wales.

Many of the professional body’s recommendations have been incorporated into the committee’s report, highlighting Propertymark’s positive influence on the market.

The Committee urged the government to consider the evidence provided by Propertymark and others for the White Paper on Housing Adequacy and Fair Rents.

It also recommended that the Cabinet Secretary issue an update on the impact of measures implemented to discourage landlords from converting properties into holiday lets.

Inquiry into the private rented sector

The organisation’s policy and campaigns officer, Tim Thomas, said: “Propertymark used its opportunity to issue evidence to the Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee’s inquiry into the private rented sector to warn them of the dangers of a one size fits all approach to energy efficiency, as well as the issues with implementing rent controls in Wales.

“We are concerned that the committee also supported the prospect of the Welsh Government exploring the feasibility of enabling tenants who are subject to no-fault evictions to retain the last two months’ rent as compensation.”

He added: “We will continue to advise the Welsh Government on the positive impact boosting the supply of homes to rent will have on reducing costs for tenants.”

Improve housing standards

The committee believes that a statutory ratings scheme for letting agents could improve housing standards and guide tenants’ choices.

It also emphasised that the Welsh Government should not rely solely on Rent Smart Wales data due to accuracy issues.

To improve data on Welsh housing stock, the committee promoted the introduction of a household conditions survey.

It also called on the Welsh Government to provide an update on its plans for Rent Smart Wales’s role in collecting PRS rent data.

Creating a database

Propertymark suggested creating a database to assist local councils in identifying solutions for older people.

It also advocated for greater communication between local authorities and the PRS.

The professional body expressed a preference for a tailored approach to energy efficiency for different property types rather than a standardised EPC C rating.

It has also advised that the Welsh Government should provide landlords with grants and loans to help them make energy efficiency improvements.

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