The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has said the key to protecting tenants is enforcement of existing rules and regulations rather than the introduction of new ones.

Speaking yesterday as the Welsh Government launched its ‘Rent Smart Wales’ initiative, Douglas Haig, RLA vice chairman in Wales said: “Whilst we encourage all landlords to comply with the new regulations and follow the Welsh Government’s guidance, the RLA believes that this will detract local authorities’ attention away from tackling the minority of landlords who are criminals and stretch resources further.

“We believe that existing regulations in the private rented sector are sufficient to tackle the criminal landlords, however we do not see adequate enforcement of the powers that already exist.

“A better deal for tenants would be to put the resources used to create the scheme into enforcement instead.”

The Welsh Government has yet to confirm when a landlord will be able to start registering under the scheme, preparing for training, applying for a licence, or the cost of licensing, although the RLA expects that this will be from £200 per managing landlord.