Private residential landlords in Newtown and throughout Montgomeryshire are being warned they face legal action unless they register for a Welsh Government housing scheme or elect an agent own their behalf.
Powys County Council and local estate agent Morris, Marshall and Poole have each issued warnings after it emerged some landlords have failed to register on Rent Smart Wales when the deadline ended last November.
Rent Smart Wales is legally binding regulations that mean any private landlord in Wales must be trained and registered with it, or have elected an agent to register on their behalf and manage their properties.
Andrew Turner, a partner at Morris, Marshall and Poole, said they had seen an increase in managed properties with many private landlords choosing to elect others to act on their behalf and manage their properties under Rent Smart Wales.
"Anyone private landlord who has not trained or registered for Rent Smart Wales faces fines and legal action," said Mr Turner. "It's law and anyone letting a private residential property in Wales has to be registered or have elected an agent such as MMP or a registered estate agent or lettings agent to undertake the management of their properties on their behalf.
"We have seen an increase in private landlords appointing us as their managing agents as our team is registered with Rent Smart Wales. But if they don't elect a managing agent the landlords must be registered themselves."
A new date for training has been released for local landlords who manage properties to enable them to apply for a licence from Rent Smart Wales by Powys County Council.
Training for landlords will take place 9am-4.30pm on February 2 at Neuadd Maldwyn, Welshpool or The Park offices in Newtown on 6 February.
The course costs £65 and payment must be received to confirm booking. Payment can be made over the telephone by contacting Powys County Council’s Housing Services on 01597 827464.
For further information contact Peter Tagg, Private Sector Housing Environmental Health Officer by email on peter.tagg@powys.gov.uk
To find out more about Rent Smart Wales visit www.rentsmart.gov.wales or call 03000 133344.