Industry body calls for housing court in Wales

A Welsh government consultation presents plans to create an independent unified court system.

The proposals by the Welsh government set out plans to consolidate nine devolved tribunals into a single coherent system which includes both First-Tier and Appeal tribunals.

The Welsh government say the court reforms are intended to create a structure that is easier for users to navigate and allow better management of cases.

Swift justice for both landlords and tenants

One leading industry body is calling on the Welsh government to introduce a dedicated housing court.

Propertymark told the consultation they welcome the reform to the court system in Wales but more needs to be done.

A spokesperson said: “Propertymark welcomes the opportunity to reform of the tribunal system in Wales, but with the Renting Homes Act placing Welsh legislation on a separate legal framework for the first time, we hope that this is the start of a bigger discussion on reform and improving access to justice.

“Our long-held position is that a dedicated housing court is necessary to provide swift justice for both landlords and tenants when things go wrong – both groups are being failed by the current system.”

Restore landlords confidence

The industry body says a housing court could reduce help reduce long delays when trying to gain back possession.

The spokesperson continued: “A dedicated court could build on the work of the Residential Property Tribunal in Wales, with access to the existing in-house specialists, surveyors, and legal experts.

“A specialist court has the potential to decrease the number of stages in the progress of a case and could more effectively allocate time.

“This would not only have a benefit in terms of cost-saving but would restore landlords’ confidence that they have a clear route to possession.”