The Welsh Government has revealed that the countdown has started for Rent Smart Wales to come into force, but no date has yet been set on the scheme’s introduction.
The Welsh Government is launching Rent Smart Wales, a registration and licensing scheme. It aims to improve letting and management standards for private tenants in Wales.
However, a date has not been set on when the scheme will begin.
The new legislation means that anyone who owns and rents out private property in Wales must register with the central licensing authority, through Rent Smart Wales. All managing agents and landlords are also required to obtain a new license.
Once part of the scheme, landlords and agents must keep their information up-to-date and comply will all regulations.
Lesley Griffiths, the minister with responsibility for housing, says: “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.”1