The lettings industry in Wales is gearing up for important changes heralding a completely new mandatory regime – but no date for implementation has been announced beyond “this autumn”.

All agents and landlords will have to be registered and, if they manage rental properties, be trained and accredited.

The new Wales-wide regime is being managed by Cardiff Council.

In an update from Rent Smart Wales, landlords and agents have been told that staff will be in place from the end of October to “receive the training they require in systems and processes”.

It adds: “We have been pleased and overwhelmed by the increased interest from landlords and agents who are busy preparing for their new obligations.”

It says minimum training course content has now been set, and that a code of practice is in the final stages of production.

This will set out statutory requirements which must be followed by landlords and agents.

The update concludes: “Once finalised, the Code will be debated in the Assembly, and if passed by Members will come into force, along with Rent Smart Wales itself, later this autumn.”