Q&A: Get to know NRLA Wales policy officer Josh

In the latest of our meet the team blogs, get to know our policy officer for Wales, Josh Lovell (pictured below) better.

Here, we chat to Josh about some of the changes ahead for landlords in Wales this year, what he enjoys the most about being an NRLA representative and his favourite to pieces of advice.

Read more in our series of Q&A blogs. Get to know NRLA Wales representative Gill Owens, NRLA adviser Craig Purvis, NRLA Wales operations manager, Steve Bletsoe and NRLA North Wales regional representative Sandra Towers.

Hi Josh, Great to meet you. Tell us a bit more about you and your role at the NRLA?

Hi,  I have a background in politics and have worked for both Welsh and the UK Governments. In my last role, I worked on Project Gigabit as an MP engagement Manager, ensuring that MP Stakeholders’ needs were met. I work for the NRLA as a Policy Officer, and my focus is mainly around Wales and the incoming Renting Homes Wales Act changes due to be implemented the end of this year.

What do you enjoy about your role?

What I really enjoy about this role is the diversity in the way I can approach my work. I can raise awareness and tackle a variety of issues relating to the PRS. I’ve always had a love for policy, as policy is how you can ultimately change the lives of people for the better.

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

Honestly, there are challenges that lie ahead. There are of course the incoming changes as part of the Renting Homes Wales Act, but also the likelihood of the implementation of rent controls at some point in the future. There are some positive changes incoming however, the Act will make it easier for landlords to repossess abandoned properties, withing needing a court order for instance. As an organisation, we will try our very best to make landlords lives easier on the road ahead.

What advice would you pass on to a would-be landlord?

If you are a responsible landlord, stick it out. It seems rental reform isn’t just isolated to Wales, we now see England going down their own road to rental reform. We need responsible landlords to create a PRS that works for all. I think despite the challenging changes ahead, being a landlord will still be rewarding.

Here at the NRLA we offer expert advice for landlords, but what is the best piece of advice that you’ve received either professionally or personally?

Perseverance, no matter how hard it gets, its important you just get back up and keep going. To quote Friedrich Nietzsche, and later on Kanye West “What does not kill me makes me stronger”.

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

I really enjoy my fitness. I’m a regular gym goer, and I am currently training for Tough Mudder in August, meaning I’m taking on more cardio training, as well as maintaining the weight training. I also enjoy playing dungeons and dragons every Tuesday evening with my close group of friends, it’s a good chance to get together and see them every week.  My weekends are usually spent either with my girlfriend, or I’m out socialising with friends over a pint.