Communities and Children Secretary Carl Sargeant has today called on tenants to have their say on legislative proposals to remove the ability of lettings agencies to charge them fees.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The consultation is the first step towards fulfilling the Welsh Government’s commitment to bringing forward the Fees Charged to Tenants Bill to address fees charged in the private rented sector.
The call came as research into the potential implications of banning these fees published today showed that 84% of the agents who responded charge a set up fee and the average cost to tenants of setting up a tenancy is £178. These fees make up 19% of agents’ income – around £10m in total.
Mr Sargeant said:
"I launched the consultation into fees charged to tenants in the private rented sector last month but so far, the biggest response has been from landlords and lettings agents. While I encourage everyone with an interest to participate in this consultation I particularly want to hear from tenants to ensure we have as wide a range of views as possible.
"I want to know the extent of the fees charged, what those fees cover and understand the implications of the removal of these fees for letting agents, landlords, tenants and any third parties involved in the private rented sector."