What measures will the Minister take to assist councils and housing organisations in providing alternative accommodation to replace the private housing stock anticipated to be lost due to private landlords selling up following the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016?
Data from Rent Smart Wales does not support the assertion that Private Rented Housing Stock is being lost in Wales. In January 2023, the number of properties registered with Rent Smart Wales increased by over 1,000 dwellings taking the total registered properties in Wales to 209,109.
Landlord registrations and renewals have remained strong following the introduction of Renting Homes Act on 1st December. In January 928 landlords registered with Rent Smart Wales, of which 171 were new registrations and 757 were renewals.
As I have highlighted in my response to a previous Written Question on the 11 October 2022, in addition to the Social Housing Grant, we are funding a number of schemes for local authorities and housing partners to provide additional homes. These include Leasing Scheme Wales and funding to bring back into use empty homes.