Days left to register as landlord in Wales to avoid fine

Farmers in Wales who rent out private residential property have just two days left to register as a landlord to avoid being fined.

A legal requirement was introduced under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 for all landlords to register with a body called Rent Smart Wales by 23 November 2016.

Individuals who manage the property themselves, rather than use an approved letting agent, also need to apply to be licensed. This involves completing either a classroom-based or online training course.

See also: Six property mistakes farmers make and how to avoid them

The aim is to raise standards in the rental sector and make sure that landlords are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

The rules apply to anyone renting property out on an assured, assured shorthold or regulated tenancy.

Farmers with houses rented to tenants under the 1986 Agricultural Holdings Act and the 1995 Agricultural Tenancies Act should be exempt, except where as tenants they have consent to sublet cottages.

Simple to register

According to Rent Smart Wales, registering as a landlord is a simple process which takes 15 minutes online and costs £33.50. Paper applications can be made, but cost £80.50.

A licensing application will take up to eight weeks to process and costs £144.00 if completed online and £186.00 on paper.

Registrations and licences will have to be renewed after a five-year period. Failure to comply with the rules by 23 November could result in a minimum fine of £150.