The Welsh Government has announced that the “countdown” has begun for Rent Smart Wales – but it must be the vaguest countdown in history as no date has been set for the licensing scheme’s introduction. 

The Welsh Government is introducing Rent Smart Wales, a new registration and licensing scheme, in order to improve letting and management standards for people who rent private accommodation in Wales.

Yet, despite sending out constant updates about the scheme, no decision has been reached on when it will begin.

This law will mean that everyone who owns and rents out private property in Wales will have to register with the central licensing authority via, Rent Smart Wales.  All managing landlords and agents will also have to obtain a new type of licence.  

Once they are part of the Rent Smart Wales scheme, landlords and agents must keep their information up-to-date and comply with all requirements.

Minister with responsibility for housing, Lesley Griffiths, said: “The new legislation we are introducing will not only improve the situation for tenants – informing them of their rights and responsibilities – it will also help good landlords by improving the sector’s reputation.

“When Rent Smart Wales is introduced this autumn, it will provide a simple way for landlords to register and for them and their agents to become licensed. Ahead of the changes, I encourage landlords and agents to subscribe to register their interest and to receive useful news and updates.”