Renters in Wales have specific protections under Rent Smart Wales licensing rules. If you live in private rented housing, your landlord or agent may need to be licensed and trained. Licensing is intended to keep properties safe, ensure landlords meet basic duties such as repairs and gas safety, and give tenants a clearer route to complain or seek redress. This page explains what Rent Smart Wales requires, how to check whether a landlord is licensed, what official forms you might use, and practical steps if you believe your landlord is unlicensed or failing to meet duties. Use the guidance here to prepare evidence, meet deadlines, and access official help so you can resolve problems with confidence.
What Rent Smart Wales licensing means for tenants
Rent Smart Wales is the Welsh Government scheme for licensing and training landlords and agents operating in Wales. A licence aims to improve property management, ensure minimum standards and make it easier for tenants to hold landlords to account. If a landlord should be licensed but is not, tenants can report them and that can lead to enforcement action by Welsh authorities[1].
Key landlord duties under licensing
- Landlords must register and obtain a licence before letting most private rented homes in Wales.
- Landlords must keep the property in a reasonable state of repair and follow safety obligations such as gas checks.
- Licensed landlords and agents must provide contact details so tenants can raise issues and requests.
Relevant official forms and where to find them
- Rent Smart Wales licence application (no public form number) — an online licence application is available via the Welsh Government Rent Smart Wales service; tenants can use the public pages to check licence details and to understand what an application covers[1]. Example: if your landlord says they are licensed, ask for the licence number and check it online.
- Report an unlicensed landlord (no form number) — Rent Smart Wales provides an official report process for suspected unlicensed letting. Example: if you suspect your landlord is not licensed, use the official report route and provide dates, photos and copies of correspondence.
- Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (use the tribunal application guidance pages) — there is not always a single universal form number for every application type; tenants can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for issues like licence enforcement or disrepair. Practical use: if a landlord refuses to carry out essential repairs or you need an order relating to a licence, you can apply to the Property Chamber for a hearing[3].
What to do if your landlord is unlicensed or failing duties
First, gather evidence: keep photos, written requests for repairs, receipts for temporary fixes, and any text or email communications. Put requests in writing where possible so there is a record you asked for repairs. If your landlord claims a licence, ask for the licence number and check it against official Rent Smart Wales records[1]. If there is no licence or the landlord fails to act, report the problem to Rent Smart Wales and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for formal remedies, including orders related to safety, repairs or other enforcement under housing law such as the Housing Act 1988 and relevant parts of older legislation like the Rent Act 1977 when applicable[2].
FAQ
- Do landlords in Wales need a Rent Smart Wales licence?
- Many landlords and agents who let private rented housing in Wales must register and hold a licence; check the Rent Smart Wales guidance to see if the rules apply to your situation.
- How can I check my landlord's licence?
- Ask your landlord or agent for the licence number in writing, then check the official Rent Smart Wales pages to verify the licence details and any conditions that apply.
- What can I do if my landlord is unlicensed?
- You can report the landlord to Rent Smart Wales and gather evidence to support your complaint; if necessary, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for enforcement or remedies.
How-To
- Check the landlord's details and licence status on the Rent Smart Wales official website.
- Ask your landlord or agent for the licence number in writing and keep copies of emails, texts and any receipts or documents as evidence.
- If you cannot verify a licence, use the Rent Smart Wales reporting process to submit an official complaint or report.
- Gather supporting evidence: dated photos, repair requests, receipts and a brief written timeline of events.
- If the issue is not resolved, consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a hearing or enforcement order, following tribunal guidance.
- Keep copies of everything and note deadlines for responses, tribunal filings and any official steps you take.
Help and Support / Resources
- Rent Smart Wales - Welsh Government
- Housing Act 1988 - legislation.gov.uk
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
