The National Residential Landlords Association is warning the Welsh government to steer clear of rent controls.

In its response to the Welsh government’s consultation on rent controls, the association claims they would force landlords to quit, reduce stock and thus push up rents.

It says landlords are already having to cope with changes under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act and would benefit from a period of stability.

The NRLA says the act has damaged landlord confidence, as evidenced by the high level of possessions that took place in the first quarter of the year – a 253 per cent rise in accelerated possession claims over 12 months.

Chief executive Ben Beadle says: “If the Welsh government is serious about addressing high rents and a lack of supply, it must take tangible steps to increase housing supply. 

“A good place to start would be to back our calls for pro-growth measures to encourage investment in homes to rent.”