Welsh landlords risk fines over failure to inform tenants of new rules

Landlords in Wales have until Sunday (14^th June) to inform tenants of anti-discrimination rules under the Renters’ Rights Act.

The Welsh government says that landlords will need to give tenants a new occupation contract or a statement of variation.

The changes are being introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act and will make it unlawful to apply blanket exclusions at the point of enquiry, viewing or letting.

Landlords could face fines

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) explains rules banning discrimination against tenants with children or those in receipt of benefits, were introduced in Wales on 1st June.

Landlords with properties in Wales now have until Sunday to inform tenants of the changes by issuing a statement of variation, or a new occupation contract.

In Wales, standard occupation contracts replaced tenancy agreements in the private rented sector.

The NRLA warns landlords could face fines if they fail to inform tenants of the changing.

The industry body says on its website: “If landlords fail to notify your tenants by Sunday 14^th June, landlords could be liable to pay their contract holder compensation.

“The fine charged will be equivalent to daily rental rate of your property for each day the document is late, up a maximum of two month’s rent. This figure could then be doubled, and interest charged, should the issue get to court.”