WIREDGOV

Communities and Children Secretary Carl Sargeant yesterday launched a formal consultation on legislative proposals to remove the ability of lettings agencies to charge fees to tenants.

The consultation is the first step towards fulfilling the Welsh Government’s Commitment to bringing forward the Fees Charged to Tenants Bill to address fees charged in the private rented sector.

Mr Sargeant said:

“I believe the time has come to ask serious questions about the future ability of anyone to charge fees to tenants when they enter into a tenancy. 

“Fees can cause major problems for people when looking for accommodation. To ask tenants to come up with a tenancy deposit, which is often in excess of a month’s rent, plus a month’s rent up-front and an “administration” fee can cause a major financial headache for some and has the potential to drive people into debt.

“I want to know the extent of the fees charged, what those fees cover and understand the implications of the removal of these fees for letting agents, landlords, tenants and any third parties involved in the private rented sector.

"I encourage everyone with an interest  to participate in this consultation,  which will help to inform what fees, if any, can be charged in the future.”

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