Wales: NRLA win on safety rules

New amendments to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act will make it easier for landlords to comply with electrical safety rules.

The changes follow NRLA calls for legislation to be brought into line with rules in England, allowing the use of electrical installation certificates (EIC) to prove new-build properties are safe.

Prior to the change landlords buying such properties would have to pay for an electrician to come in to carry out a second inspection after purchase.

Landlords will also now be given 14 days rather than seven to provide their tenant – now known as a ‘contract holder’ under the terms of the act – with a copy of the electrical condition report.

The amendments were laid before the Senedd this week and are expected to be the final amendments required to make the Renting Homes (Wales) Act into law. As always, the NRLA will continue to update you if any further late amendments are made.

Rent Smart Wales phonelines 

Rent Smart Wales (RSW) has this week reopened a limited phoneline service, following continued pressure from the NRLA.

The phoneline service – which had been down due to staffing issues – now operates 9am-11am. According to the website these hours will be increased when it recruits more staff.

The NRLA has asked for more to be done, with the implementation date for the new Renting Homes (Wales) Act just around the corner.

NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle, said: “The NRLA welcomes the reopening of the Rent Smart Wales phone lines - two hours a day is better than nothing. 

“However much more needs to be done to ensure that RSW is up to the challenge that the introduction of the Renting Homes Wales Act will bring in December. 

“It is imperative that RSW returns to full service as soon as possible so that landlords in Wales are able to use its services at such a critical time.” 

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