Views expressed in letter to Welsh Housing Minister

Posted by Votta Sales & Lettings on 2nd October 2019 -

Now the dust has settled on the implementation of the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) Wales Act, the Welsh Government must acknowledge the impact on letting agent’s businesses and further aspects of the legislation must be implemented in a more timely and efficient manner.

The response was sent to stress the disappointment of ARLA Propertymark in the way that Welsh Government has implemented the legislation as agents were not given enough time to understand the guidance due to it only being released 14 working days before the legislation was due to come into force. Put simply, lessons need to be learnt.  

This legislation changed the very nature of how lettings businesses operate; removing approximately 20 per cent of their turnover and requiring agencies to fundamentally change their business models.

The impact on tenants is also being felt with ARLA Propertymark’s Private Rented Sector Report in August outlining that rents remain at record high for the fourth consecutive month.

In addition, there are still significant questions on the legislation outstanding, relating to default fees and prescribed information for Holding Deposits, and the possibility of additional regulations later this year which may potentially require agents to change their business models twice within six months.

As outlined in the letter to the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James AM,  it is vital that the Welsh Government engages closely with the sector and professional bodies such as ARLA Propertymark to ensure any new legislation is brought into force is such a way that it allows businesses sufficient time to be able to adapt to change so their services to consumers can continue. The Welsh Government must recognise that 14 working days is simply not enough time for such a fundamental change to an industry’s business model.

ARLA Propertymark hopes to receive a response from the Welsh Government on this matter.