Letting agents urged to help landlords and audit portfolios

Letting agents are being urged to act early to avoid operational and financial disruption by helping landlords facing compliance demands under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Agent Rainmaker’s Sally Lawson says the scale of change rivals the Tenant Fee Ban introduced more than a decade ago.

She said: “The Renters’ Rights Act is coming, and it’s big.

“Arguably, it’s the biggest change our industry has faced since the Tenant Fee Ban over a decade ago.”

Check tenancy agreements

Ms Lawson continued: “Landlords and agents alike are bracing for change, but the smartest agencies are doing more than just bracing – they’re preparing, and they’re seeing it as a huge opportunity.”

A full landlord portfolio review sits at the top of the list for agents to implement.

That means checking tenancy agreements, deposit protection, repairs and safety certificates.

She adds that identifying gaps early will reduce exposure later.

Helping landlords understand the RRA

Communication comes next, and sooner rather than later with agents being told to brief landlords before the legislation takes effect.

Agents should use webinars, newsletters or short updates that explain what is changing and what it means in practice.

Ms Lawson said: “Knowledge is power, but it’s also a sales tool.

“Landlords who understand the changes are more likely to trust you, upgrade to fully managed services, and be willing to pay for extra support.”

Staff training crucial

Contracts will also need attention because some clauses will no longer hold up under the new framework.

Also, other clauses may be missing altogether so agencies should check for outdated wording, add RRA-specific obligations and make service levels clear.

Elsewhere, staff training is expected to move up the agenda.

That means frontline teams, property managers and compliance staff all have different roles to play, but each will need a working knowledge of the new rules.

Ms Lawson said: “Every member of your team must understand the RRA inside and out.”

Use digital tools

Agents are also being warned that manual tracking systems may not be sufficient once new obligations come into force.

Ms Lawson points to automated reminders, digital compliance tools and landlord reporting as practical steps that also support additional services.

She added: “You’re not just a property manager. You’re an expert.

“You know the market, the laws and the pitfalls that landlords don’t even see.”