You will need to log in as a member to access this page. This resource is available for members of:
Propertymark membership gives you the credibility of being part of a respected association along with access to a whole host of resources.
Use the button below to find out more about becoming a member and the full value of membership.
Once implemented, the Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026 will introduce a new regime for assessing and managing building safety risks in multi-occupied buildings, led by a designated local authority in each of Wales’s three fire and rescue authority areas. The success of the regional Building Safety Authorities (BSAs) will depend on sufficient resources, clear guidance, and meaningful engagement with property and managing agents to support a consistent approach across Wales.
A series of enforcement actions relating to licensing breaches, overcrowding, poor property management, and failures to comply with regulatory requirements present a cautionary tale for both agents and landlords. The Renters’ Rights Act has strengthened many of the consequences of non-compliance, whilst local authorities continue to take a firm approach and are increasingly willing to use substantial financial penalties where standards fall short.
The 2026 Regulations, which came into force on 23 June 2026, amend the prescribed method for assessing the seriousness of hazards in housing and the prescribed hazard descriptions to make them easier to understand and apply. Local authorities can take enforcement action where a Category 1 hazard exists and are given discretion to act where a Category 2 hazard exists.
As the dust settles following the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, lettings agencies are finding alternative ways to mitigate uncertainty and financial risk for landlords. A range of services are growing in popularity that replace traditional, abolished methods like rent in advance, not least professional rent guarantor provision. This service offers reassurance for good tenants who can afford the rent but don’t quite meet the right criteria on paper, including students, self-employed people or those on benefits, or retirees.