The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has stated that the regulatory landscape for letting agents in Scotland will see significant changes over the coming years with the introduction of a Letting Agent Code of Practice and Client Money Protection (CMP), membership of a redress scheme and professional qualifications all due to come in force in 2018.

ARLA says it is working closely with the Scottish government to ensure that the regulation measures are effective, workable and practical. The final details of the qualification requirements are yet to be finalised by the Scottish Minister, however ARLA expects that the most senior person in an agency with operation control over the lettings business will need to be qualified, as will one member of staff in each branch and the minimum level of training required is likely to be a SQCF credit-rated Level 6 Qualification.

In order to assist agents in gaining the necessary qualifications and with compliance requirements, ARLA has launched a series of promotional packages which can be seen here.

ARLA has also launched a new legal helpline to assist members in Scotland with the ever changing legislative landscape, particularly with the overhaul of tenancy law coming into force through the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.

Nik Madan, ARLA president, said: “We’re pleased that Scotland is moving towards sensible regulation in the sector, and have set out robust minimum training requirements to ensure a professional industry. To support members and non-members in Scotland, we have acted to create promotional packages that provide a simple and cost-effective route to becoming compliant with both the training and regulatory requirements.

“By improving our services and launching the new legal helpline we will provide Scottish members with support they need to tackle the ever- changing lettings industry.”