Private landlords in Caerphilly County Borough are to ask potential tenants if they are troublemakers, under a new police scheme.
The Tenants Passport Scheme, which is the first in Wales, has been launched by Caerphilly Private Landlord Forum and Gwent Police.
The new passports will allow landlords to ask tenants in advance of awarding a tenancy to demonstrate they will be a responsible tenant and provide their Tenant Passport as proof.
The aim of the scheme is to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour.
Greg Rowland, the Chair of Caerphilly’s Private Landlord Forum, said: “We are extremely proud of our new initiative with Caerphilly County Borough Council and Gwent Police in coming together with the tenant passport scheme which will benefit landlords and tenants alike.
“Greater reliance will be placed on the private rented sector to provide better quality housing and more responsible tenants in the borough for the future.”
PC Gareth Jones, Blackwood and Ystrad Mynach Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer, said: “This innovative scheme is one which seeks to provide private landlords with an informed choice, it allows tenants to demonstrate their suitability and is therefore one of prevention and not reaction.
“If an issue should arise with a tenant, occupier or visitor to a privately rented property, the local neighbourhood policing teams will be in contact with the landlord to seek to address the problem. This scheme reinforces the commitment of Gwent Police to tackle issues of antisocial behaviour which affect the communities we serve.”