Letting agents alarmed by Renters’ Rights Bill challenges

Letting agents are deeply concerned about the impending Renters’ Rights Bill, which is set to create a complex compliance landscape for the private rented sector (PRS).

According to Reapit’s Property Outlook Report 2025, the Bill’s regulations, which could become law this autumn, is the top concern for 60% of property professionals.

The Bill will scrap fixed-term tenancies and Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, introduce stricter repair duties, tenant rent challenge rights and an independent PRS ombudsman.

More than 61% of surveyed professionals said they were dissatisfied with the Bill’s 2024 draft, with only one in 10 supportive.

New EPC rules, requiring a minimum C rating for new lets by 2028, add further pressure.

Agents are worried

Reapit’s commercial director, Dr Neil Cobbold, said: “It’s understandable agents are concerned about upcoming regulation, change is on the horizon and for the lettings sector it’s the biggest in 30 years.

“But agents don’t need to go it alone.

“Agencies that act early to understand their new obligations and invest in tools that support compliance will be best positioned to ride the coming wave of reform.”

Following Reapit’s inquiries, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP outlined steps to ease enforcement issues.

To tackle bailiff shortages, the government is boosting recruitment, clarifying landlord rights and automating debt recovery to prioritise possession cases.

Digital possession service

The government also says a digital possession service will streamline warrant requests, while expanded tribunal capacity and backdated rent increase powers aim to prevent delays.

A proposed faster rent assessment process could bypass tribunals, a change Reapit supports.

In sales, the survey found that 47.7% of agents report sellers’ lack of compliance knowledge, particularly around disclosures.

The full Reapit report is available for download, detailing strategies for landlords and agents facing the Bill’s reforms.