The new Plaid Cymru government has pledged to make private rents fairer and boost enforcement against failing landlords.

Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Sian Gwenllian, told the Senedd that rents in Wales were rising faster than anywhere else in the UK and that she planned to introduce new laws to improve housing affordability.

“I’m committed to delivering stronger rights and protections in the private rented sector, so tenants are better protected from unfair practices and have greater security, stability and confidence in their homes,” said Gwenllian.

She was also considering ways to strengthen the enforcement framework, such as by introducing financial penalties “along criminal sanctions” so that poor landlord behaviour could be addressed at an early stage, while ensuring that councils could keep fines to bolster their work.

Border

“I don’t want to see our renters be disadvantaged as compared to what is happening - and I’m glad it’s happening - over the border, but we need to really focus now and make sure that we also have proper protections and fair rents in Wales.”

Although First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth stopped short of promising the end of no-fault evictions, he told MSs: “The truth is we are lagging behind England on protection for renters and that is something we will move on at pace.”

Visitor

Earlier this year, the Senedd passed a Bill to improve visitor accommodation, meaning that accommodation owners – beginning with self-contained, self-catering accommodation including holiday cottages and flats – will need a licence from 2029, by proving their properties are fit for visitors.

However, ministers look set to target short lets in a bid to free up more housing in Wales. Gwenllian added: “I am all too aware of how high concentrations of second homes and short-term lets can impact communities, making it more difficult for local people to afford housing, and contributing to community and Welsh language decline. I’m determined to bring renewed focus to this issue, working with local authorities to seek solutions.”

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