Campaigning charity Shelter is demanding a further clampdown on private landlords.
It says more households now rent privately than from social landlords in Wales, but the private rented sector is not working for tenants.
In the run-up to the Welsh Parliament elections next May Shelter wants every political party to commit to ending what it calls “the housing emergency.”
Lauren Caley, policy and public affairs manager, says: “Over the last 30 years, the number of people who rent their homes from private landlords in Wales has exploded.
“But too often, private renting isn’t an active choice for people – it’s their only option. To make matters worse, the lack of legal protection means renters are living in constant uncertainty.”
She claims a lack of investment in social homes and a lack of support for people looking to buy their own home has “forced” families and individuals into renting privately.
Figures show private rents have risen by 8.7% across Wales in the last year, with some areas like Newport showing rents more than 20% higher.
Caley adds: “In a housing emergency, the demand for suitable homes outweighs supply. Here in Wales, this has led to an imbalance of power between landlords and tenants.
“In 2026, Wales is likely to be the only country in Great Britain where someone can be evicted through no fault of their own without being given a reason.”
Shelter Cymru is calling on all political parties to set out what they will do to make sure everyone “can access the safe, secure and genuinely affordable home they need.”
The charity wants new regulations to restrict how quickly landlords can increase rents for current tenants and stop them making so-called “substantial rent hikes after a tenant leaves.”
The charity is also demanding an end to what it calls “no-fault, no-reason evictions … aiming to give people confidence the home they rent privately will remain their home for the long-term.”
Another solution Shelter Cymru has proposed is strengthening renters’ rights to challenge the quality and condition of their homes by increasing funding for specialist teams, who could carry out assessments and offer independent legal advice.
Caley concludes: “Ending the housing emergency isn’t just about ensuring everyone has a roof over their head. It’s about ensuring everyone has access to a home they can thrive in. A home that keeps them safe. A home that helps them build their future.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today