Propertymark’s recommendations for improving Rent Smart Wales have been included in an independent evaluation by property course trainer RHE Global.
Propertymark contributed to the report, took part in a focus group and promoted a landlord and agents’ survey.
The evaluation recommended that Rent Smart Wales should be more transparent in its decision making and improve scrutiny by developing a strategic plan that sets out long-term objectives.
Propertymark pointed out the lack of political scrutiny beyond ad-hoc inquiries and said Rent Smart Wales needs to work with stakeholders on its strategy.
The report also recommended Rent Smart Wales works with professional landlord and agents’ trade bodies to recognise equivalent continuous professional development and cut duplication for landlords and agents.
RHE Global found that continuing professional development has helped raise standards for agents.
Propertymark noted that in Scotland, agents are required to achieve a level six qualification, which is the same as an A Level.
Propertymark supported the idea of making landlords submit rental data to help better calculate Local Housing Allowance and benefits.
The trade body said the Welsh Government must be clear about what this data would be used for to ensure more landlords and agents comply.
Additionally, Propertymark called for more financial transparency about money raised from licensing, including annual reporting to give landlords and agents more confidence.
Propertymark also suggested agents should register landlords to help drive up standards and said tenants need to be more aware of Rent Smart Wales.
Tim Thomas, policy and campaigns officer at Propertymark, said: “Propertymark is greatly encouraged to see that the independent evaluation has listened to many of our recommendations on improving Rent Smart Wales such as developing a strategic plan to outline its long-term objectives and our suggestion to professionalise the sector via Continuing Professional Development.
“However, we hope that landlords being mandated to submit rental data will help improve the Welsh Government’s understanding of the sector and the costs landlords and tenants face, and not simply used to justify any future proposals to control rents across Wales, which have been detrimental in nations such as Scotland.
“We have written to the Welsh Government highlighting our approval of the report and that we are ready to support Rent Smart Wales improve its decision making and transparency.”
