The National Residential Landlords Association is alerting landlords to the possibility that their licence may be up for renewal.

The association says the Rent Smart Wales regime is now over a decade old, so many landlords who bought into five year licences may now be facing renewal.

The scheme launched on 23rd November 2015, with landlords and agents given a year’s grace period to register and apply for a licence.

An NRLA statement says: “This means a significant number of you completed your registration and licensing during 2016, so many will now be approaching – or may already have passed – your second renewal date.

“Failure to apply in time could result in fines of up to £5000 so it is important to act now. 

“Rent Smart Wales has enforcement powers to act against those who are not properly registered or licensed. Since the scheme launched, 355 landlords and agents have been prosecuted and £53,600 recovered via Rent Repayment Orders.”

Licences are priced between £257 and £327, depending on whether you pay online. AEarly bird discounts are available for those who apply 42 days or more before their renewal date.

The association continues: “If you are unsure when your licence is due for renewal, the first step is to log into your Rent Smart Wales account at rentsmart.gov.wales. 

“Your renewal date will be visible in your dashboard.

“To hold a licence, you must be able to demonstrate that you have completed the required training.”

The NRLA offers two courses – one for landlords and one for agents.