‘Industry first’ forum launched for Welsh agents to ‘virtually’ meet officials

Welsh letting agents have been invited to attend an ‘industry first’ get-together with Government officials.

This includes Bethan Jones, a representative from Rent Smart Wales, who is to warn agents over ‘dubious practices’ and ‘misinterpretation’ of the recently-introduced Renting Homes Act.

At the end of 2022 the legislation, which fundamentally altered the way homes are privately rented in Wales including evictions, notice periods, contracts and even the terminology used to describe it.

Propertymark has been pushing for regular meetings for some time (which are called the All-Wales Agent Forum), arguing that while there is a strong addition of landlord forums in Wales, it was important that agents could discuss issues away from their clients.

“We are delighted to see that an All-Wales Agent Forum has been organised for the first time ever, and it is something that we hope to see replicated elsewhere,” says Tim Thomas, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Propertymark.

“Letting agents provide a hugely valuable service to both landlords and tenants, serving as intermediaries and ensuring a positive experience for both parties.

“This Forum will provide a unique opportunity for agents to engage with the Welsh Government and Rent Smart Wales, share ideas and best practice, as well as understand the legislative landscape in Wales and how it will impact their business.”

Bethan Jones from Rent Smart Wales says that almost two years on, the Renting Homes Act is “arguably well established”, but that “Rent Smart Wales continues to find dubious practice and misinterpretation” and that “the best way to learn is from each other – we will share our audit findings/insight with you to help agents operate on the right side of the law”.

The event, at 1pm on Wednesday 20th November, can be attended for free by logging on to this Teams online link.