A new best practice training programme has been launched for letting agents in Scotland’s private rented housing sector.

Developed by Landlord Accreditation Scotland (LAS), in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), the new ‘Let Well’ programme was launched at the CIH Scotland Annual Conference in Edinburgh yesterday.

The new programme has been created in Scotland specifically for the Scottish private rented housing sector and has been designed to provide essential learning and a CIH qualification in preparation for a new registration scheme for letting agents currently in development by the Scottish Government.

The programme is also expected to benefit those working in local authorities, housing associations and other organisations with an interest in the Scottish private rented sector.

John Blackwood, chair of LAS, said: “LAS is committed to growing professionalism and achievement of the highest standards among letting agents and landlords and we are delighted to be collaborating with the CIH on the Let Well programme. This programme will not only assist participants to satisfy the Scottish Government’s new registration requirements, it also highlights for employers an individual’s commitment to best practice and high professional standards as a housing professional in letting.”

CIH Scotland executive director, Annie Mauger, added: “Significant and rapid growth means Scotland’s private rented sector now accounts for more than 1 in 3 of all rented homes. In that context, ensuring that professionals associated with the private rented sector adhere to the highest standards is more important than ever.

“As the biggest individual membership organisation covering housing and the leading provider of housing focused qualifications in Scotland and UK-wide, CIH’s involvement will give participants in the Let Well programme access to a huge network of housing practitioners and a wide range of associated benefits.”