Welsh Government offers free cladding tests for private rental sector

The BBC is reporting that the Welsh government is offering private buy to let investors who have properties in high-rise buildings in Wales free cladding tests following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. 

BBC Online says the Welsh Government has contacted agents and landlords registered with the Rent Smart Wales licensing and training regulatory body to say they can access the same tests given to the social housing sector.

However, there is no legal requirement for private landlords to carry out tests.

The Welsh Government has already asked social landlords with cladding containing the controversial aluminium composite material or ACM - similar to that used in Grenfell Tower - to have it tested at the same centre which is conducting testing in England.

The Welsh Government’s email to Rent Smart Wales says: "We are now working with local government with a view to ensuring those living in private sector high rises are equally protected from any unnecessary risk. Please be assured that as an owner of a unit or units within such a building no direct action in relation to the cladding is necessary on your part. You may of course wish to reassure yourself and your tenants of other general fire safety."

The Welsh branch of the Residential Landlords’ Association has urged members to take up the offer, even if they own only one apartment in a block.