Is your Rent Smart Wales licence due for renewal?
With Rent Smart Wales more than a decade old, now is the time to check whether your licence is up for renewal.
The national registration and licensing scheme for landlords and agents in Wales marked the anniversary last November, and with licences valid for five years at time, it's vital you check your licence is up to date.
The scheme launched on 23rd November 2015, with landlords and agents given a year's grace period to register and apply for a licence.
This means a significant number of you completed your registration and licensing during 2016, so many will now be approaching - or may already have passed - your second renewal date.
Failure to apply in time could result in fines of up to £5000 so it is important to act now. Rent Smart Wales has enforcement powers to act against those who are not properly registered or licensed. Since the scheme launched, 355 landlords and agents have been prosecuted and £53,600 recovered via Rent Repayment Orders.
Early bird discounts
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.
What do I need to do to renew my licence?
If you are unsure when your licence is due for renewal, the first step is to log into your Rent Smart Wales account at rentsmart.gov.wales. Your renewal date will be visible in your dashboard.
To hold a licence, you must be able to demonstrate that you have completed the required training.
The NRLA is an approved Rent Smart Wales training provider with our courses covering your legal obligations as a landlord or agent in Wales, the standards expected of you under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, and the practical steps you need to take to remain compliant.
The courses can be completed online at your own pace, making it straightforward to fit around your other commitments.
We offer two courses - one for landlords and one for agents.
More information
For further guidance on Rent Smart Wales and your obligations as a landlord in Wales:
- Wales resources pages - our full range of guidance and support for landlords in Wales
- Rent Smart Wales pages - specific information on registration, licensing, and compliance
- Working with the Senedd - our campaigning and policy work on behalf of Welsh landlords
