The first Cardiff Landlord Forum of 2016 kicked off what looks to be a very interesting year for landlords. The forum saw around 100 landlords in attendance in a packed committee room, with the welcome return of a coffee machine.
Our first speaker is a frequent visitor to the Cardiff Landlord Forum, Rent Smart Wales’ Anne Rowland. With Rent Smart Wales having launched late November this was an excellent opportunity for landlords to get all the details they need now that the scheme is up and running. From launch to the 18th of January, Rent Smart Wales has had 5,623 users register, 3,593 landlords register (14,000 rental properties) and 739 paid course bookings so far. The presentation gave landlords an overview of everything they need to work with Rent Smart Wales, as well as the opportunity to ask some expertly answered questions.
Our second guest, Edwina O’Hart, came to the forum to discuss the Homes for Wales Campaign. The campaign seeks to galvanise the housing sector to push housing to the top of the agenda for everyone looking to get a seat at the Welsh Assembly later this year. Landlords were told about the campaigns aims and, most importantly, the big housing rally taking place on the afternoon of the 4th of March.
Finally we had the chance to see the landlord forum in action. A previous speaker, Leah Whitty, came back to the forum to give us an update on Universal Credit. Following her last appearance at the forum, a few landlords were invited to sit at the next Universal Credit meeting with Leah to discuss a few ideas and options. Leah’s update informed landlords of the progress that has been made on UC in the area, with the landlord’s presence at the meeting proving to be very valuable. This highlights how important is it to be engaged and proactive in public processes!