Q&A: Get to know NRLA Wales' Gill

We are delighted to launch a new blog series where you can get to know some of our NRLA Wales team a little better. Last month we spoke to NRLA Wales operations manager Steve Bletsoe. Here, we chat to NRLA Wales regional representative Gill Owens.

Hi Gill. Great to meet you! Tell us a bit about you. What is your role at the NRLA?

I joined the NRLA back in December 2020 during covid as the All Wales Representative for Wales.  It has been very strange beginning as my interview was over the phone and I have never been in a room with my work colleagues for over 15 months.

My role is to be the ‘ on the ground face of the NRLA for landlords and to build relationships with key stakeholders such as local authority landlord forums, Housing teams etc. I have also set up All Wales Webinars during covid which have been extremely well received.

Previously I have had a very diverse career including senior roles in BBC Wales, Manpower and CEO of Welsh Women’s Aid, the umbrella body and lobbying organisation for the domestic abuse arena in Wales.  Together with my husband, we have been landlords for over 16 years and have a small portfolio of B2Ls in S Wales and a HMO in Manchester.

        Caption: NRLA Wales regional representative, Gill Owens

What does the road ahead look like for landlords in Wales?

The landlord landscape in Wales is changing considerably in the next few months, with the new Renting Homes ( Wales ) Act which is aimed at giving tenants more rights of tenure and more ‘ teeth’ when it comes to tenancy issues. Most landlords only own one or two properties and they are extremely worried about these new changes. There have been so many changes to the private rented sector over the past 5 years with the abolition of Section 24, Rent Smart Wales,  six month repossession during covid, rent arrears and now the proposed changes to EPC rates and the Renting Homes Act.

Here at the NRLA we offer support and advice for members, including landlords in Wales. What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received?

I have two – both personal. Never go to bed on an argument and no man is worth your tears, but the one who is, will never make you cry!

What do you like to do in your spare time outside of working for the NRLA?

I don’t really get much spare time as we have three property related businesses, but I just love spending time with my ever growing family with my grandchildren and eating out with good friends.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I would love to say meeting people (haha) -  and that is what I am looking forward to going forward now that restrictions have lifted, but I just love helping landlords and tenants with their queries and issues. At the moment I am playing a vital role in helping Welsh landlords navigate the new Renting Homes Act which has been a challenge but very rewarding.