The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 changed the way landlords rent their properties.
The main changes for landlords:
- There are two types of contracts: secure contract for the social rented sector and standard contract for the private rented sector.
- Landlords must ensure that their properties are fit for human habitation (FFHH). This includes working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors fitted in the property, and electrical safety testing.
- Abandoned properties can be repossessed without needing a court order.
Visit the Welsh Government website (opens in new tab) for more information.
Rent Smart Wales
The Welsh Government scheme requires all private landlords to register themselves and their properties. Landlords and agents who let and manage properties must also get a license.
It is an offence not to be registered and landlords can face penalties. Local authorities across Wales, including Torfaen Council are working with Rent Smart Wales to identify those still not complying with the law. Councils are prosecuting those who have failed to comply.
If you are a tenant and want to check if your landlord and/or agent is complying, you can view the Rent Smart Wales online public register (opens in new tab). If they are not registered, you can contact Rent Smart Wales.
For more information vist rentsmart.gov.wales (opens in new tab) or call 03000 133344.
For more information regarding the conditions of private rented properties in Torfaen, contact the Housing Safety & Environmental Protection Team.
Immigration Visits
What the Council will do if you ask for an Immigration Visit?
If you ask the Council to assess your home for an immigration application, we will require evidence that you have suitable housing accommodation within the United Kingdom. This evidence must show that the premises you intend to occupy does not have any category one hazards and will not become overcrowded when you take up residence. The British High Commissions in various countries will accept evidence from a private surveyor or the local authority.
What we need from you
We must see the request from the relevant High Commission to enable us to verify the name of the person entering the country and the address they intend to occupy. It is also important that the request shows the High Commission’s reference number as we need this for any correspondence.
What we will do for you
Upon receipt of the High Commission’s request the Council will send you an invoice for £98.75 + VAT (2 bedroom) / £120.85 + VAT (3 bedroom) / £142.90 + VAT (4 bedroom) / £22.00 + VAT (per additional bedroom) to cover the cost of this service. On proof of a receipt for payment the Council will arrange an appointment to survey the property. This will normally be within 10 working days.
Following the inspection the Council will provide the British High Commission with a report of the property, a copy of which will be sent to the sponsor, again this will normally be within 10 days.
Housing Health & Safety Rating System
Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) evaluates the safety of buildings. Introduced as a replacement for the Housing Fitness Standard, it assesses the hazards that may affect the health, safety and well-being of the occupants and their visitors.
Poor quality housing can affect people physically, socially or emotionally. Problems such as excess cold can cause increased infection, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Homes can also be dangerous, with injuries arising from falls, electrocutions, fire, and other accidents.
The well-being impact ranges from depression to social exclusion. The HHSRS identifies any health, safety and well-being effects of buildings used for multiple occupation. Buildings are rated, and the Council will take formal action if the required standards are not met.
Do you want to know more?
You can download the Housing Health and Safety Rating System flyer (opens in new tab) or the HHSRS landlords guide (opens in new tab)
For information on home accident prevention visit the RoSPA (opens in new tab) website.