## NRLA urges next Welsh government to prioritise housing investment

Ahead of the Senedd elections in May, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has launched a manifesto calling on the next Welsh government to make housing a top priority. The organisation emphasises the importance of encouraging investment in the private rented sector across Wales, warning that current and potential policy changes risk reducing the availability of rental properties.

The NRLA highlights that since the last election, more than 1,190 properties have been lost from the Welsh private rented sector, according to government data. This decline underlines the urgency of creating a supportive environment for landlords to maintain and grow their rental portfolios.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, 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.”

## Concerns over regulation and enforcement

The NRLA’s manifesto specifically calls on the next Welsh government to avoid making further changes to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, arguing that additional amendments could deter investment and worsen the housing supply crisis. The organisation also points to the need for increased investment in housing standards enforcement, describing current efforts as “inconsistent and under-resourced,” which allows unsafe properties to remain unnoticed.

The introduction of Rent Smart Wales, a licensing and registration scheme for landlords, has been a point of contention. While intended to improve standards, the NRLA suggests that the scheme requires improvement to better support both landlords and tenants.

## Need for better data and understanding of housing needs

Last year, the Welsh government announced plans for a Welsh housing survey to gather more comprehensive data on housing conditions and tenant needs. However, the NRLA reports there has been no progress in delivering this survey. The organisation stresses that the next government must gain a deeper understanding of housing in Wales, including the unique characteristics of Welsh homes.

Key issues such as fuel poverty and energy efficiency should be central to this work, alongside robust evidence on the lived experiences of households. This data is essential to inform policies that effectively address the challenges faced by landlords and renters.

## What this means for landlords

For landlords operating in Wales, the NRLA’s manifesto signals a call for stability and clarity in housing regulation. Avoiding further legislative changes to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act and improving enforcement resources could help landlords maintain safe properties without facing excessive administrative burdens.

Improved support through Rent Smart Wales could also streamline compliance and foster better landlord-tenant relationships. However, landlords should remain alert to any policy developments following the Senedd elections that may impact their responsibilities and investment decisions.

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Suggested internal link anchors

– private rented sector
– Renting Homes (Wales) Act
– Rent Smart Wales
– housing standards enforcement
– landlord investment
– fuel poverty
– energy efficiency
– housing supply crisis
– tenant needs
– Welsh housing survey
– safe rental properties
– Senedd elections

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TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/