First graduates emerge from letting agency training programme

The first letting agents to have completed a new training course aimed at improving services for tenants and landlords have graduated. 

Some 81 agents have completed the new professional development programme called LETWELL developed by Landlord Accreditation Scotland and the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland. 

The training covers new rules for the private rental sector north of the border, including a statutory Letting Agency Code of Practice and being listed on a public register.  These requirements will be mandatory for agents and relevant staff in the sector by January.

“The graduation of these first 81 learners marks a new era of excellence for the letting agency sector in Scotland.  Our training programme has been developed by LAS and CIH Scotland and is specifically designed to ensure that those who take part in the programme will comply with the new requirements” says a statement from LETWELL. 

“We have seen a steady increase in awareness amongst letting agents but there is still more to be done to ensure everyone who needs to be, is compliant by the deadline.  As well as agents, lawyers who undertake letting work will also be required to register and, in some cases, complete additional training and qualification” the statement continues.

Before a letting agent business can apply to join the register in 2018, each agency must have key people in place who are appropriately qualified and trained.