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Landlord Obligation

Keeping Your Property Compliant and Your Investment Safe

Renting out a property in Wales comes with strict legal requirements. Failing to meet these obligations can result in heavy financial penalties, invalid eviction notices, or even criminal prosecution.

At Hafren Properties, we keep you ahead of changing legislation. Below is the essential compliance checklist that every Welsh landlord must follow, aligned with Rent Smart Wales and NRLA standards.

1

Rent Smart Wales Registration & Licensing

Before you can market or let a property in Wales, you must comply with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 through Rent Smart Wales (RSW):

  • Landlord Registration: Every landlord must register themselves and all their rental properties with Rent Smart Wales. This registration must be updated every 5 years.
  • Landlord Licensing: If you actively manage the property yourself (handling viewings, contracts, or maintenance), you must take official training and hold a Rent Smart Wales Licence.

Note: If Hafren Properties fully manages your property, you only need to register as a landlord — our professional licence covers the day-to-day management.

2

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act Compliance

Traditional “Tenancies” no longer exist in Wales. Under the active framework, you must comply with modernized rules regarding your occupants:

  • Written Statements: You must provide your contract-holders (formerly tenants) with a formal "Written Statement" of their Occupation Contract within 14 days of their occupation date.
  • Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH): Landlords must ensure the property is fit for human habitation throughout the term. This includes specific, mandatory requirements:
  • Smoke Alarms: Mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms must be present on every storey of the property.
  • Carbon Monoxide Alarms: A working CO alarm must be fitted in every room containing a gas, oil, or solid-fuel burning appliance.

3

Essential Health & Safety Certifications

The NRLA emphasizes absolute adherence to statutory safety inspections to protect lives and secure your insurance validity:

  • Gas Safety (CP12): A gas safety check must be carried out annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A copy of the certificate must be given to the contract-holder within 28 days of the check.
  • Electrical Safety (EICR): A mandatory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be performed at least every 5 years by a qualified electrician to prove the installation is safe.
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Your property must hold a valid EPC with a minimum rating of 'E' before it can be legally marketed or let.

4

Financial & Deposit Protections

Tenancy Deposit Protection:

Any deposit taken must be registered with a government-approved scheme (such as TDS or DPS) within 30 days of receipt. Prescribed Information must also be served to the contract-holder within this timeframe.

The Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act:

It is illegal to charge tenants "administration" or "referencing" fees. Charging banned fees carries severe penalties.

Let Hafren Properties Handle the Hard Work:

Navigating these regulations can be stressful. Our Fully Managed service takes the weight off your shoulders by tracking your certificate expiry dates, issuing legally watertight paperwork, and keeping your property fully compliant around the clock.