From 1 September 2019, Welsh Government is banning private rental fees.
This means landlords and letting agents in Wales will no longer be able to charge tenants for additional fees.
If a current tenancy started or was signed before 1 September 2019, tenants will continue to pay the fees in this tenancy.
If a tenancy agreement is agreed after 1 September 2019, there are certain fees that tenants will not have to pay.
Examples of these are:
- signing a contract tenancy agreement
- renewing a tenancy agreement
- requesting a check list about the condition of the property and items within it before they move in (known as an inventory fee)
- accompanied viewings
- fees when they move in (known as check in fees)
- fees when they move out (known as check out fees)
- administration fees
- fees to reserve a property (known as holding fees)
- inspection fees when moving out
Fees tenants will still have to pay
- rent
- security deposits (if required)
- holding deposits to reserve a property (if required). This is refundable and tenants should not pay more than one week’s rent
- late payment of rent or breach of a tenancy agreement (known as default payments)
- council tax (if this is part of tenancy agreement)
- utilities, for example water, electricity (if this is part of tenancy agreement)
- TV licence (if this is part of tenancy agreement)
- communication services, for example internet, telephone (if part of tenancy agreement)
The Welsh Government has released a practical guide to help landlords and letting agents understand the ban and what this means for them. Download the guide Click here.
Source: Rent Smart Wales
Date: 27th of August 2019
