News

Rent Smart Wales (RSW), the Welsh Government scheme, designed to drive up standards in the private rented sector, have made their first successful prosecution.

The RSW scheme requires private landlords to register and managing landlords and agents to become licensed with the scheme. Since November 23, 2016, landlords and agents who fail to comply with Rent Smart Wales are breaking the law.

Robert Ivor Grovell is the first landlord in Wales to be prosecuted for failing to become licensed with Rent Smart Wales. He was fined £4,400 for operating a dangerous, unlicensed house in multiple occupation and failing to comply with Rent Smart Wales.

Mr Grovell was prosecuted under Section 7(5) of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 at Newport Magistrates court for his non-compliance. The offence was one of a number brought against him by Newport City Council for housing-related offences at a property on Orchard Street in Newport to which Mr Grovell pleaded guilty.

An inspection of the property by Environmental Health officers in December 2016 uncovered serious problems with the design and layout of the property and an escape route blocked with furniture and other items, both of which could have been fatal to tenants in the event of a fire. In addition the property was occupied as a house in multiple occupation but Mr Grovell had failed to apply for the necessary licence from Newport City Council.

Rent Smart Wales checks identified that Mr Grovell was registered but not licensed, even though he was carrying out management activities at the property.

Since the inspection, he has completed the required Rent Smart Wales training and submitted his application for a license.

Bethan Jones, Operational Manager of Rent Smart Wales at Cardiff Council, the single licensing authority for the whole of Wales, said: “This case is a real milestone for Rent Smart Wales, being the first prosecution of a non-compliant landlord.

“This prosecution sends a strong message to other non-compliant landlords who continue to flout the law and those who haven’t complied should come forward now to avoid action against them”

In total, Mr Grovell was fined £4,400 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs and victim surcharge of £170.

Councillor Ray Truman, Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulation at Newport City Council praised officers for their dedication in bringing such a prosecution to court.

“This was a serious breach of regulations covering a house in multiple occupation where the residents were put at risk because of the landlord’s failure to comply with essential regulations aimed at keeping people safe in their home.

Further information about Rent Smart Wales can be found here.

• NALS supports Rent Smart Wales. RSW has recently issued and updated fee structure for agents, which recognises that agents who are part of NALS qualify for a discount. Full details of the fees can be found here. Once completed, a RSW registration and licence lasts for five years.
• Rent Smart Wales requires managing landlords and agents to undertake training to ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. NALS offers approved training to meet the requirements of the RSW scheme. Full details of the NALS course can be found here.