Wales: Campaigns and meetings update
NRLA Wales Operations Manager Steve Bletsoe rounds-up the highlights of NRLA Wales campaigning this month.
Towards the end of February, the Welsh Government published its updated possession guide for landlords who rent properties in the private rented sector in Wales.
The NRLA's policy team has carefully examined the guidance, and has concerns it contains a line informing landlords that they can use the possession claim online service in Wales.
This directly contradicts what is said on the gov.uk site, which explictly says this is not possible at present.
We have raised this concern with the Welsh Government and will report back as soon as we receive a response.
In the meantime, we would encourage you to keep yourself up to date with all publications released as we continue through the bedding-in period of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act.
Evidence to the Senedd
Last week, NRLA Wales Operations Manager Steve Bletsoe represented members in Wales as he gave evidence to the Senedd's Local Government, Housing and Communities Committee as part of it's inquiry into the private rented sector.
During the evidence session, Steve explained more about what can be done to tackle the shortage of homes to rent in Wales, and he also explained why rent controls must not be introduced. A full round-up of the evidence session can be read here.
NRLA hosts joint event with Crisis Wales
Earlier this March, we hosted a well-attended Networking and Information Event with anti-homelessness charity Crisis, to talk about the role of the private rented sector in Wales and practical ways landlords can support the charity.
The event took place on 5th March at the Crisis Skylight building in Swansea. Delegates had the opportunity to hear from Crisis about their work to end homelessness, and NRLA South Wales representative Gill Owens also spoke to delegates about creating a better private rented sector for all in Wales.
Interested in more meetings like this? Make sure you are opting in to receive email alerts from the NRLA to ensure you don't miss a thing.
Caption (left-right): Gill Owens of the NRLA alongside Ashella Lewis, Director of Crisis Skylight South Wales, Gemma Price and Jo Lewis of Crisis South Wales.
Events in Wales
Another great way to stay up-to-date, and engage with our Welsh landlord representatives and other landlords, is to attend local NRLA events, with a number to be held in Wales over the coming months.
Whether it's one of our four regular NRLA On Tour events in Wales, the ever-popular Wales National Webinars, or the growing number of regional “Coffee and Chats” that we host, we provide a place for you to come and share your experiences.
On Monday 25 March at 6pm, we will be hosting a free webinar for all members in Wales.
With the Renting Homes (Wales) Act now fully implemented, Douglas Haig, one of the NRLA’s Non Executive Directors will share his observations of the new legislation and James Wood, NRLA’s Head of Policy will also be on hand to answer your Renting Homes (Wales) queries. Register for free here.
More information
For all you need to know on the Welsh PRS - and the resources you need visit our Wales hub here.
