Private landlords in Wales offered free cladding tests

Private landlords in Wales offered free cladding tests

Todays other news
Northern cities are set to outpace the south for the...
A sustainable energy consultant gives tips that really work -...
The views of expert working for Stacks Property Search, a...


Private landlords of high-rise buildings in Wales are being encouraged to take up an offer of free cladding safety checks following the horrific Grenfell Tower fire.

The BBC report that the Welsh government has contacted Rent Smart Wales landlords to inform them they can access the same tests given to the social housing sector.

Although there is no legal requirement for private landlords to carry out tests, Wales’ Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has urged them to “make no assumptions” and “take action”, after government experts discovered cladding panels that have been found to be combustible on a number of tower blocks after the Grenfell fire.

In an email to Rent Smart Wales landlords, the Welsh government said it was trying to contact private landlords of all residential blocks which were seven storeys or higher.

It said: “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.”

Douglas Haig, vice chairman and director of the RLA in Wales, commented: “The fire at Grenfell Tower is a stark reminder of how important fire safety is.

“We have been very proactive in looking at fire safety and highlighting guidance to our members, to make it clear to landlords exactly what their responsibility is.

“They should pass any information on to tenants and liaise with building owners and block managers.

“Make no assumptions, take action. Even if you are a private landlord that has just one flat in a building, ask your block managers what action they are taking.

“Even though it’s not a legal requirement, we should be holding them to account.” 

Share this article ...

Join the conversation: Login and have your say

Want to comment on this story? Our focus is on providing a platform for you to share your insights and views and we welcome contributions. All comments are screened using specialist software and may be reviewed by our editorial team before publication. Landlord Today reserves the right to edit, withhold or delete comments that violate our guidelines, including those that harass, degrade, or intimidate others. Users who post such content may be banned from commenting.
By commenting, you agree to our Commenting Terms of Use.
Recommended for you
Related Articles
The claim comes from PropTech firm Goodlord, using some Rightmove...
Glasgow council is on the warpath over the city's empty...
The current licensing system was to have expired later this...
The open day aims to promote Sunderland as an investment...
The tenant was in hospital when he was evicted illegally...
The controversial proposal is backed by the Welsh Government...
Growing arrears, falling yields and new laws make 2025 a...
Recommended for you
Latest Features
Northern cities are set to outpace the south for the...
A sustainable energy consultant gives tips that really work -...
The views of expert working for Stacks Property Search, a...
Sponsored Content

Send to a friend

In order to send this article to a friend you must first login. Click on the button below to login or sign up.

No one likes pop-ups ...
But while you're here