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Welsh Assembly Yet to Make a Decision on Banning Letting Agent Fees
This article is an external press release originally published on the Landlord News website, which has now been migrated to the Just Landlords blog.
The Welsh Assembly is yet to make a decision on whether banning letting agent fees in Wales is a good idea.
Welsh Assembly Yet to Make a Decision on Banning Letting Agent Fees
Following Chancellor Philip Hammond’s announcement in last year’s Autumn Statement that letting agent fees charged to tenants will be banned in England, the Welsh Assembly has debated whether to introduce the same measure in Wales.
Carwyn Jones AM, the First Minister of Wales, has written to David Cox, the Managing Director of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), confirming that no decision has yet been made on banning letting agent fees in the country.
The letter reads: “The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children has made a commitment to review the evidence currently available, before deciding what action should be taken.
“He will be taking into account the impact of the Scottish legislation and will also be reviewing the proposals in England, taking into account the findings of their consultation, which is due to be held in the coming months.
“The review will also consider the different approach Wales has taken, by introducing Rent Smart Wales, and how this will impact on and inform any further regulation in the sector.”
ARLA insists that it will continue to communicate with the Welsh Assembly on the matter.
In an email to its members, ARLA says: “We urge all members to complete our monthly surveys and respond to the UK Government’s consultation when it is released.
“It’s clear that further widespread changes are in the pipeline for the private rented sector across the UK, but what’s important is that governments listen to the industry and follow the evidence.”
A number of proposals from Welsh Assembly Members were put forward to commence the banning of letting agent fees for tenants. None of the proposals have yet been successful.
Do you believe that Wales should follow England in banning letting agent fees?
