Explanatory Notes

Housing (Wales) Act 2014

7

17 September 2014

Commentary on Sections

Part 1 Regulation of Private Rented Housing

Section 19 – Licence application requirements

41.An application for a licence in accordance with sections 6, 7, 9 or 11 must be made in the form required by the authority; be accompanied by such information as the Welsh Ministers specify by regulations; be accompanied by such other information the authority requires; and be accompanied by the required fee (as specified by regulations made by the Welsh Ministers).  Before granting a licence, the authority must take steps to satisfy itself that the applicant is a fit and proper person (see section 20) and that requirements relating to training, as set out in regulations made by the Welsh Ministers under subsection (2)(b), are met or will be met.

42.Section 19(3) sets out what regulations under section 19(2)(b) may cover. The list set out in this subsection is not exhaustive and the regulations may cover other things. Regulations may be made authorising a licensing authority to specify requirements in relation to the content of training. Regulations may be made for fees to be charged to cover authorisation of training providers by the licensing authority or approval of training courses. Training may cover, among other things, the statutory obligations of both landlords and tenants, the contractual relationship, the role of an agent, and best practice in lettings work and property management.