Huw Lewis, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
The Housing White Paper: A White paper for Better Lives and Communities, which I published on 21st May 2012, contains a commitment to modernize the private rented sector by introducing measures to improve standards of management and property condition. The need to improve the sector was also identified by Assembly Members in the Communities and Culture Committee report: Making the Most of the Private Rented Sector in Wales 2011 and endorsed by the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee’s Inquiry into the Provision of Affordable Housing in Wales (2012).
To achieve this aim our intention is to introduce a licensing scheme for landlords and letting and management agents in this sector of the housing market. Today I am publishing a consultation paper: Proposals for a Better Private Rented Sector in Wales, which contains more detailed information on the Welsh Government’s proposals for a National licensing scheme.
The consultation is specifically targeted at stakeholders, but is being published on the Welsh Government website for wider consumption. The consultation period will run simultaneously with the White Paper and responses are requested by 17th August 2012. The Welsh Government wants to see a private rented sector in Wales with well-managed homes that are in good condition and recognises the contribution that privately rented homes can make to help address housing need and the wider benefits they can bring.