I READ the article regarding compulsory landlord registration and licensing with interest in last week’s edition of the Penarth Times.

At ACJ, we have seen a surge of new landlords contacting us in the last few weeks who up until recently, knew nothing about this legislation.

Landlords who use a letting agent to manage the property only need to register with Rent Smart Wales, however, it should be noted that it is the landlords duty to ensure that the agent they instruct is a licensed agent and failure to comply with this is a criminal offence.

There is a public register available on Rent Smart Wales website which will detail whether an agent is licensed, submitted an application for approval or if they have not yet submitted their application.

It is very surprising how many agents remain unlicensed at this stage. Unlicensed agents who trade from November 23 will be committing a criminal offence, but most importantly the landlord will be committing an offence for instructing the unlicensed agent. This particular offence also carries a fine and rent repayment orders are possible.

I believe that there will be a degree of leniency for agents and landlords who have submitted their applications and are awaiting approval as there is a well-documented backlog with Rent Smart Wales.

However, it is the individual local authorities who are responsible for enforcement.

We have been reliably informed that local authorities have the manpower ready and there will be no such leniency for those who have ignored the legislation.

I feel that the agent checking register available at rentsmart.gov.wales is an important point to make landlords aware of.

Sarah Plumley

Head of lettings

ACJ Properties