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Landlords in North Wales to undergo training and be licensed under new rules Changes being introduced later this year will mean landlords will have to allow an agency to manage their property if they can't gain a licence Landlords in North Wales will have prove they are “fit and proper” before they can manage a property or hand over the keys to someone else. Every private landlord will need to undertake training and be licensed under new rules coming into effect this autumn. And if they can’t demonstrate they are “fit and proper” to hold a licence, landlords will have to appoint an agent to manage the property on their behalf. Shelter Cymru said they hoped the changes would “freeze out” some of the worst rogue landlords and give tenants more confidence in the rental sector. Essential protection Housing Minister Lesley Griffiths claimed the new practice was “absolutely essential” as it would give protection to the 184,000 people currently renting across Wales. Ms Griffiths said: “The new legislation we are introducing will not only improve the situation for tenants – informing them of their rights and responsibilities – it will also help good landlords by improving the sector’s reputation.” But Tory housing spokesperson Mark Isherwood said the scheme was flawed as it may deter people who want to bring a home back into use by renting it out. The North Wales AM said: “Simply waving a stick won’t work and I fear good landlords will continue to be penalised.” A UK first Part of the Housing (Wales) Act changes will make Wales the first country in the UK where landlords and agents have to undertake training to ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. It will mean private landlords and their properties will have to be registered with Rent Smart Wales, with local councils responsible for enforcement action. The registration scheme for all 22 local authorities will be run by Cardiff Council and replace the current voluntary Landlord Accreditation Scheme. Gwynedd councillor Dyfed Edwards of the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) welcomed the news saying: “While local government already works hard to develop positive relationships with local landlords, this new scheme offers a welcome addition to the enforcement options already in place, and it will help local councils to work more closely with landlords to ensure high standards are being met for private rental tenants in Wales But Douglas Haig, vice-chairman for the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) in Wales warned it would detract local authorities’ attention away from tackling the minority of landlords who are criminals and stretch resources further. A spokesman for Shelter Cymru said: “Hopefully it will go some way to freeze out the worst rogue landlords, many of whom come to our services for advice.” Another layer of bureaucracy? The news was welcomed by North Wales Lib Dem AM Aled Roberts as an important step but he warned it could just be another “layer of bureaucracy”. Mr Roberts said: “The Welsh Government now needs to use this scheme to drive up standards within the sector. “If in five years’ time we’re still seeing massive problems with cleanliness and anti-social behaviour in the same areas, then this will have been nothing but yet another layer of bureaucracy.” Source: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/landlords-north-wales-undergo-training-9649246 --------------- Interesting times!

blah, blah.... It still doesn't justify EAs charging tennants outrageous fees - often unbeknown to the Landlord. IMHO EAs should be required by law to clearly state on every rental property advertised their supposedly justified 'administrative' fees. - is a simple 'price list' too much to ask?! In the pub trade publicans have to display a price list by law, why doesn't the same apply to EAs?

I just can't believe a free 'de facto' web site (with a decent UI- sorry gumtree!) doesn't exist which makes it easy for LL and tennant to cut these con artists out of the equation...

I realise I'm based in the south, but the cheapest agency fees we've come across is £220+VAT!? IMHO after approaching 6-7 EAs in the area these short-sighted fools are making a rod for their own back!

We're in the process of moving to rented accommodation, and decided to make the dreaded visit to the local EA/Letting Agents to see what was available... As soon as we asked about agency fees, the charges - seemingly plucked out of thin air, were simply ridiculous (£300+) It's also my understanding they also charge the LL a month's rent as a 'finders fee'! On an average apartment were I live that's very nearly a grand! => EAs Grand Total for taking a few pics and placing an advert of rightmove = £1300+ - and that's without the 10-15% they charge for 'managing' the place. I just can't understand why so many landlords & tennants place MORE trust in EAs than dealing with each other directly.

g

imho, There is no shortage of doctors - if anything, there seems to be glut of them. Junior doctors have never had it so bad; most of the ones I know are struggling to find a job.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_starts

http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/20...afx4071146.html Housing starts are an important economic indicator because they show how much money the general public has. If there is a rise in housing starts it likely means there is more money in the economy.

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http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...&refer=home They have also been quoted on saying: 'The mortgage market hasn't been this bad since the 1930s!'

'hedging' your bets?!

http://money.uk.msn.com/Investing/Insight/...umentid=5886240

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_debt

http://www.24dash.com/socialhousing/25924.htm Whoever said there were no more 'bulls' left in housing

http://www.financialmirror.com/more_news.p...amp;nt=Business

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/887b2398-45ae-11dc...00779fd2ac.html

I totally agree. The BoE is largely controlled and run by those from the world of commercial banking and conventional economics. The members of the Court of Directors, who set policy and oversee its functions, are drawn almost entirely from the world of private banks, insurance, economists and big business. (VIs) Even the Treasury now don't get a look in - after Gordon Brown gave the BoE operational independence back in 1997. What a muppet! Our monetary system should be in geared in the interest of the people, and safeguarded against the elite, rich bankers. :angry:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtm.../bcnhali102.xml

House prices fall by £1,000 per minute... of commuting time http://www.citywire.co.uk/News/NewsArticle...VersionID=94716 (sigh)

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Great Read - some more stuff from Darryl Robert Schoon can be found at http://www.itulip.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-1537.html

http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/public/showPage...PageName=459811

http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk/artic...s-stagnate.html

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/busi...icle2178975.ece