Rent Smart Wales, a registration and licencing scheme for Welsh landlords and letting agents, will launch on 23 November.

The Welsh Government had previously stated that the scheme would begin in “the autumn” but it has now announced the exact date.

Under Part 1 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 landlords will need to be registered and letting agents licenced. Applications for registration or licencing begin on 23 November and landlords and agents have 12 months to comply with the new legislation.

Rent Smart Wales said the first year will see a focus on raising awareness of the new requirements and encouraging compliance.
 
The Welsh Government says Rent Smart Wales will improve the image of the private rented sector, will benefit people who rent their home in the sector, and help to tackle the bad practice amongst some private landlords.
 
Following its launch, the next 12 months will see landlords registering with Rent Smart Wales and, for some, they will be considering whether they wish to become licensed themselves, or commission a licensed agent to manage and let their properties. Alternatively, they can choose an approach including both.