The Welsh government has agreed to explore the possibility of making landlords give tenants compensation if they are evicted.

It accepted the Senedd’s Housing & Local Government Select Committee recommendation that private renters should be given more rights by offering them the last two months’ rent of their tenancy in certain circumstances, for instance where a landlord needs to sell or move back into their property.

The move has angered Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, who says: “It is absurd that a landlord should have to pay compensation to get their property back, and the recommendation demonstrates a lack of understanding as to the reasons why landlords may need to do so.

Concerned

“If the Welsh government is so concerned about losing private rented housing stock and the impact this has on renters, they must ensure housing providers have confidence to remain and invest in the supply of high-quality rental property. Ideas such as these serve only to undermine the little confidence that remains in the Welsh PRS.”

Propertymark has also voiced concerns and labels further financial penalties for landlords as “counterproductive” when they already face rising costs from tax increases, higher mortgage rates, and repair costs, risks restricting the supply of rental homes and driving up rents for tenants.

Explore

The Welsh government agreed to explore whether tenants who are subject to no-fault evictions could retain the last two months’ rent of their tenancy “as compensation for the financial and wellbeing impact of a forced move”. It has promised to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and respond with its conclusions before the end of April.

It also agreed to recommendations including to study how a register of accessible accommodation available to rent privately could be introduced and to work with Rent Smart Wales to develop a property MOT for fitness for human habitation for use as part of the licensing regime.

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