Tenants should have the right to challenge “above market” rents in Wales according to the NRLA.

The National Residential Landlords Association says in its manifesto for May’s Welsh Government elections: “It’s important renters have both confidence in accessing the homes they need, and their ability to afford to remain in them. 

“The next Government should extend to all occupation-holders the right to seek advice from the Valuation Office Agency and challenge above-market rent increases through the Residential Property Tribunal.”

What else does the NRLA want?

The NRLA also wants to link improved energy efficiency with the level of tax levied via the Welsh equivalent of stamp duty.

Specifically the NRLA manifesto says “Around 25% of Welsh households were living in fuel poverty as of October 2024. 

“Improving energy efficiency is vital, but upgrading Wales’ older housing stock can be difficult to afford for individual landlords.

“A higher-rate Land Transaction Tax rebate linked to EPC improvements would incentivise upgrades and help even the most challenging homes contribute to a more sustainable future.”

More generally the association wants no further changes to tenure legislation that might deter investment and deepen the supply crisis.

And it’s calling for improved and better resourced enforcement through the current regulatory body, Rent Smart Wales.

In addition, the NRLA is calling on the Welsh Government to make good on the promise to introduce a Welsh Housing Survey, to improve policy making.

Association chief executive Ben Beadle says: “Wales needs policies designed to build a better and thriving housing environment for all.

“Plans that do not encourage investment, overregulate or exclude the needs of responsible landlords to provide much needed housing for renters are doomed to fail.”

Wales goes to the polls on May 7.