Welsh tenant fees ban begins its passage into law, hot on the heels of England

The Welsh government has revealed its planned letting fees ban legislation after it was introduced to the country’s Assembly on Tuesday and, like its English counterpart, is likely to become law next year. The Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Bill is similar to the English system, banning almost all fees including those for accompanied viewings, inventories, contract signing and renewing a tenancy. Welsh agents will be allowed to charge tenants rent, security deposits, holding deposits and fees when a tenant breaches a contract. The bill also opens the way for deposits to be limited to an as-yet specified limit, will cap holding deposits at a week’s rent and establish a mechanism for prompt repayment of deposits. But enforcement of the new laws will be different, says Housing and Regeneration minister Rebecca Evans (pictured). Agents found charging prohibited fees will be issued £500 fixed penalty notices and, if these are not paid, prosecuted in a Magistrates Court and face unlimited fines. Enforcement will also be integrated into the recently-introduced agent licensing system, Rent Smart Wales. “This Bill builds on the work we have already done here in Wales through the Housing and Renting Homes Acts to ensure that those wishing to…