The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has given a thumbs up to the Welsh Government’s new “Fair Rents and Adequate Housing” white paper.

The document proposes measures it believes can help improve the supply and condition of rental properties in Wales in future, and critically rejects the idea of rent controls. The NRLA says this rejection of controls follows the association’s lobbying on the subject. 

The paper also seeks views on another NRLA recommendation – a proposal that a higher rate Land Transaction Tax rebate be introduced for landlords purchasing properties to let via Leasing Scheme Wales. This could incentivise investment, increasing supply for those in most acute housing need.

Ben Beadle, chief executive at the NRLA, says: “It is pleasing to see that the Welsh Government has listened to concerns raised by NRLA on behalf of landlords and agents in Wales. Ultimately, we want to see a thriving market which provides the best quality accommodation for tenants desperately in need of homes.

“Introducing rent controls would be a disastrous move, as it would only reduce choice and drive up costs. I am delighted that the Government has opted to support supply rather than throw up more barriers to housing provision.”