The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 (Commencement No. 4) Order 2015

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order brings into force, on 23 November 2015, certain provisions of Part 1 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 (“the Act”). Part 1 of the Act relates to the regulation of private rented housing. Part 1 includes a requirement, which is subject to exceptions, for landlords of dwellings let, or to be let, under domestic tenancies, to register with the designated licensing authority. Similarly, agents of landlords and landlords who are engaged in letting or managing such dwellings are required to apply to the licensing authority for a licence.

The provisions which come into force on 23 November 2015 will allow for landlords to be registered further to submitting necessary information to the licensing authority, and for both landlords and agents to make applications for licences to the licensing authority. In relation to licences, any related appeal against the decision of the licensing authority will be to a residential property tribunal. The licencing authority will have the powers to process submitted information, register landlords and to determine licence applications. The supply of false or misleading information to the licensing authority constitutes an offence.