A new era begins today for the private rented sector in Wales.

Letting agents throughout Wales are reminded – following our story on Friday – that from today they must display their fees.

In addition, the Rent Smart Wales scheme goes live today.

From today onwards, anyone letting property in Wales must register themselves and also register details of their rental properties.

All managing agents, and all landlords who manage and/or carry out maintenance on their properties, must additionally apply for a licence; be a ‘fit and proper’ person’; take part in a training course; and adhere to a Code of Practice.

Landlords who are registered but unlicensed must use a licensed agent to manage their properties.

There is a bedding-in period of one year before enforcement begins on November 23, 2016.

While the Rent Smart Wales scheme has been known about for some time, it is the mandatory requirement to show fees prominently in their offices and on their websites that may catch some Welsh agents on the hop.

Even ARLA says it was not told about it until last week.