Landlords in Wales could get stamp duty relief for renting out their properties through the Welsh government’s Leasing Scheme Wales.

It’s one of a number of proposals set out under a long-term housing strategy that also includes forcing landlords to provide rent data to Rent Smart Wales.

Jayne Bryant (pictured), cabinet secretary for housing and local government, says its white paper on Adequate Housing, Fair Rents and Affordability “sets out further building blocks in our progressive path towards achieving housing adequacy for the people of Wales”.

She explains that improving affordability, habitability and accessibility in the PRS are all key aspects of housing adequacy and that the consultation clearly shows the need to improve the robustness of rent data as a first step to shape future policy.

Spatial rents

Proposals in the white paper also include the development of a spatial rent map to show local area rent data, how to demonstrate a property is habitable, proposals to support people renting with pets, and guidance around rent guarantors. The consultation will end on 31st January.

Evidence received to the Welsh government’s green paper consultation last year highlighted the importance of properly defining housing adequacy in the country and how it can be realised, adds Bryant.

“The White Paper therefore sets out proposals for the development of a long-term housing strategy to provide a clear and measurable framework to support the delivery of housing adequacy for all.”

The NRLA says there’s a need for a regular Welsh Housing Survey to ensure housing policy is informed by robust, reliable data. It has urged the Welsh government to publish a long-term strategy for the PRS in Wales to address its ongoing problems.