WIREDGOV

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) yesterday launched its manifesto setting out how the next Welsh Government can promote a better private rented sector (PRS) across Wales.

With Wales set to go to the polls on 7 May 2026, the NRLA’s manifesto provides a clear plan to support the sector and help renters to access the quality homes they need.

To increase the number of available high quality rental properties and meet housing demand in all parts of Wales, the Welsh Government must establish a coherent package of policies designed to support renters and landlords alike.

Central to the Association’s calls are:

• Stability: No further changes to tenure legislation that might deter investment and deepen the supply crisis. 
• Targeted investment in standards: Efforts to improve the PRS and eradicate unsafe practices are doomed to failure if enforcement is not properly resourced. Rent Smart Wales must be improved to better support the sector. 
• Measures to tackle fuel poverty: Around one in four households in Wales live in fuel poverty. Barriers to improving the energy efficiency of stock must be removed, using the tax system to incentivise rather than penalise.

In addition, the NRLA is calling on the Welsh Government to make good on the promise to introduce a Welsh Housing Survey. Too much policy making has been based on assumptions and poor-quality data, or no data at all.

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, yesterday said:

“Nothing is more important than having a safe, secure place to live, so we are calling on the parties standing in May to make housing their top priority.

“Our manifesto is clear: Wales needs policies designed to build a better and thriving housing environment for all. 

“Plans that do not encourage investment, over regulate or exclude the needs of responsible landlords to provide much needed housing for renters are doomed to fail.”

Notes:

• If you’d like to read the NRLA’s Wales Manifesto in full, click here to access the document in question.
• Further information about the NRLA can be found at www.nrla.org.uk.  It posts on X @NRLAssociation.
• The NRLA’s press office can be contacted by emailing press@nrla.org.uk or by calling 0300 131 6363.