The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is calling on the new Welsh Government to rule out any form of rent controls.

Commenting following the victory of Plaid Cymru, NRlA chief executive Ben Beadle says: “Rent controls would be a disaster for renters and the Welsh private rented sector. 

“These measures will reduce the supply of private rented accommodation at a time when Wales is suffering from an unprecedented supply crisis. 

“Wherever rent controls have been introduced they have failed and, in this case, would not address the root causes of high rents – the spiralling costs investors face, which are passed on to tenants through increased rents.

“Whatever the outcome of coalition negotiations, we look forward to working with ministers in the next Government to ensure Welsh landlords’ concerns are taken into account.”

Meanwhile the Scottish National Party – which convincingly won the election to the Scottish Parliament – has confirmed that private tenants in the country will get first refusal if a landlord puts their home up for sale.

Renters will be given a period of exclusivity to purchase it “at a fair market rate”.