Fees Ban: Welsh Government to clarify default payments

The Welsh Government says it’s going to issue clarifications to some issues before the end of this year; if agreed by politicians, they will be integrated into the current legislation banning agents’ fees levied on tenants.

The Welsh fees ban was introduced back on September 1 but unlike the similar ban in England, introduced in April, there were some outstanding issues to be clarified.

Now, following a consultation, the Welsh Government says it will bring forward regulations to:

1. Further describe the default payments which will be considered as permitted payments under the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019. “The intention is to provide clarity on what can be charged in respect of certain payments in default and the limits on any such charge. The Welsh Government intends to make these regulations early in the New Year” says a statement from Cardiff.

2. Prescribe through a clear list, the information a landlord or agent must provide to a tenant before a holding deposit can be taken. “This will mean a tenant has the information necessary to make an informed choice before entering into a tenancy agreement and a landlord or agent will be able to make clear where they require action by the tenant. The Welsh government intends to make these regulations before the end of 2019” says the statement.

Draft regulations for both of these issues will be laid before the Welsh Assembly Within the next six weeks. 

If these are agreed by the Assembly, the existing guidance for the Renting Homes (Fees Etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 will be updated to take account of the changes.