Propertymark is advising agents to start preparing immediately for upcoming regulations affecting Airbnb-style short lets in Wales. The Welsh Government is expected to introduce a mandatory register for short-let landlords later this year, likely in the autumn. This register will require all landlords operating short-term or holiday lets to officially record their properties before they can be lawfully advertised or let. The legal responsibility for registration will sit with the landlords themselves, but letting and managing agents will often play a crucial role in ensuring compliance, particularly where they manage bookings, advertise the property, or act as the primary point of contact for guests.
The register will be mandatory, meaning that properties cannot be marketed or rented as visitor accommodation until they are formally registered. Agents should assume that any client operating short-term lets in Wales will be subject to this requirement unless the Welsh Government confirms specific exemptions. While full details of the register have not yet been released, it is expected to include key information such as property addresses, accommodation type, and the details of the owner or operator. The system will be digital and centrally managed, making it easier for authorities to oversee compliance and maintain accurate records across the country.
Propertymark has stressed the importance of aligning the new short-let register with Rent Smart Wales to prevent unnecessary duplication and reduce the administrative burden on landlords and agents. Agents are therefore encouraged to review their portfolios carefully to identify any properties used for visitor accommodation, including those that might alternate between short-term and long-term use. These flexible properties are particularly likely to trigger compliance questions and could require additional attention to ensure they meet the new legal obligations.
Landlords should ensure that all property records are accurate and up to date before registration, including ownership details and addresses. Failure to do so could result in delays or complications when entering information into the register. Early preparation will allow both agents and landlords to address any gaps in their records and to ensure that all documentation is in order ahead of the mandatory registration period. Keeping records updated will also make it easier for landlords to demonstrate compliance and avoid potential fines or enforcement action.
Propertymark has advised agents to engage proactively with clients about the upcoming changes. Many landlords may not yet be aware of the register or its implications for their short-let properties. By initiating discussions early, agents can manage expectations around the timeline, responsibilities, and potential costs associated with compliance. Clear communication will also help landlords understand how the new rules may impact their existing operations and allow them to plan ahead for any adjustments that might be necessary.
The guidance emphasises that acting now is far preferable to waiting until the system comes into force. Preparing portfolios, updating records, and informing clients well in advance will help ensure a smooth transition when the register becomes mandatory. Agents who take these steps are likely to reduce the risk of compliance issues and avoid last-minute complications that could disrupt bookings or rental income. Early engagement also provides an opportunity to advise landlords on best practices, ensuring their properties remain attractive to guests while meeting legal requirements.
The new register forms part of a wider effort by the Welsh Government to increase accountability and transparency in the short-let market. By requiring landlords to formally register their properties, the government aims to protect tenants, guests, and local communities while also supporting fair competition among operators. Compliance will become a key focus for both landlords and agents, and those who prepare in advance will be in a better position to navigate the changes effectively.
Agents should take time to assess which of their clients’ properties are likely to fall within the scope of the new rules. This includes identifying homes that may be advertised intermittently as short-term lets or those that switch between holiday lets and long-term rental use. Properly documenting these properties and ensuring accurate records will be essential to meeting registration requirements and avoiding enforcement issues once the register goes live.
In addition to registration, agents may also need to support landlords in understanding how other aspects of the new rules apply to their properties. This could include advising on eligibility criteria, compliance documentation, or how to manage bookings in a way that aligns with the requirements of the register. Acting as a guide for landlords will help agents maintain strong client relationships while also ensuring that properties remain compliant and legally let.
Propertymark highlights that landlords should also ensure they are prepared for potential costs associated with registration and compliance. While registration itself may not be expensive, aligning properties with regulatory standards or updating documentation could require time and financial investment. Agents who advise clients early can help them budget for these requirements and avoid surprises when the system becomes mandatory.
By reviewing portfolios thoroughly, updating records, and engaging with clients proactively, agents can help landlords navigate the transition smoothly. This preparation will also make it easier to manage any questions or concerns that arise once the register opens, ensuring that short-let properties continue to operate legally and efficiently. Early action is key to maintaining operational continuity and avoiding disruptions in rental income.
The introduction of a mandatory register reflects a growing trend towards regulation in the short-let market across the UK. In Wales, the register aims to balance the needs of landlords, tenants, and local communities, ensuring that properties are rented responsibly and transparently. Agents who anticipate the changes and prepare accordingly will be better positioned to support their clients and maintain compliance in the evolving market.
Propertymark’s guidance encourages agents to maintain close communication with landlords throughout the process. This includes explaining the purpose of the register, the steps required for compliance, and the potential impact on property use. Early engagement will also allow agents to address any uncertainties and reassure landlords about how to manage their properties within the new regulatory framework.
Finally, agents are reminded that preparation is the most effective way to avoid last-minute issues. Reviewing portfolios, updating records, and initiating conversations with landlords now will make the transition to mandatory registration much smoother. With careful planning, agents can help clients meet the requirements efficiently, maintain lawful operations, and continue offering short-let properties to the market without disruption.
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