Rent Smart Wales imposes registration and licensing requirements on landlords under Part 1 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.

The new law will mean 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.

Landlords who need to register, and landlords and agents who need to become licensed, will be able to register and apply for a licence from 23 November.

They will have 12 months from 23 November in which to comply with the new legislation. During this first year there will be 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. It aims to benefit people who rent their home in the sector and improve the practices of landlords and agents and help to tackle the bad practice amongst some private landlords.

Further information is available at www.rentsmart.gov.wales