Landlords missing Rent Smart Wales license renewals risk fines

Landlords in Wales could face fines of up to £5,000 if they miss the renewal date on their Rent Smart Wales licence.

The National Residential Landlords Association is urging licence holders to check their accounts as many approach, or may already have passed, their second renewal deadline.

Rent Smart Wales launched on 23 November 2015, with landlords and letting agents given a year to register and apply for a licence.

Many landlords completed the process during 2016 for a licence which lasts five years.

The NRLA says those landlords are now reaching the point at which a second renewal is required.

Wales landlord license

On its website, the NRLA says: “Since the scheme launched, 355 landlords and agents have been prosecuted and £53,600 recovered via Rent Repayment Orders.

“Licences are priced between £257 and £327 – depending on whether you pay online.

“And even if your renewal date is later in the year, it is worth checking now as early bird discounts are available for those who apply 42 days or more before their renewal date.”

Scheme has enforcement powers

Rent Smart Wales has enforcement powers against anyone who is not properly registered or licensed.

Landlords who do not know when their licence expires should log into their account on the Rent Smart Wales website.

The renewal date is displayed on the account dashboard.

Applicants must also show that they have completed the required training before a licence can be issued.