Rent Smart Wales
Rent Smart Wales is the national registration and licensing scheme for private landlords and agents in Wales, created under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. If you let or manage rental property in Wales on a domestic tenancy, known as occupation contract or regulated tenancy, you must register yourself and your properties with Rent Smart Wales, and obtain a landlord licence if you self-manage.
From a landlord’s perspective, Rent Smart Wales is effectively your licence to operate. To get and keep a licence you must:
Pass a fit and proper person test.
Complete approved training on rights and responsibilities.
Comply with a statutory Code of Practice, including proper paperwork, inspections and complaint handling.
Failure to register or be licensed is a criminal offence and can lead to fines, rent repayment order or rent stopping order, and loss of normal possession rights until you comply.
While the Renters’ Rights Act mainly reshapes private renting in England, Welsh landlords must view Rent Smart Wales, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and UK-wide safety and standards reforms together as the core framework for running a lawful, professional rental business in Wales.
