Rightmove launches Renters’ Rights Act module for letting agents

Rightmove has launched a new Renters’ Rights Act module as part of its qualification for letting agents, as they say it will allow landlords to benefit from agents being up to date with the latest legislation.

Rightmove’s Level 3 Certificate for Estate and Letting Agents (CELA) will include the Renters’ Rights module from April, which the property portal says will help prepare letting agents ahead of the Act coming into force in May.

Rightmove is also launching new routes to qualification later this year to support more letting agents in getting qualified.

Qualifications ensure strong standards within the property industry

Under the Renters’ Rights Act module, letting agents will learn about periodic tenancies, rental bidding and rent in advance, Section 13 rent increases, and Section 8 grounds for possession.

The government has recently consulted on home-moving reforms, including proposals for mandatory letting agent qualifications. According to Rightmove, qualifications can help agents stand out, with 65% of renters and 72% of homeowners saying they would trust a qualified agent more.

Rightmove also says qualifications allow letting agents to show landlords they have comprehensive expertise across the lettings industry and are up to date and ready to advise on the Renters’ Rights Act.

Jason Charles, Rightmove’s head of education, said: “Qualifications ensure strong standards within the property industry, and better-qualified agents mean better information, stronger consumer confidence, and a more resilient UK property market. Becoming Rightmove Qualified is a way agents can highlight their expertise to potential home-movers, and gives agency owners the assurance that their staff are up to date on the latest legislation.

“The government’s home-moving reform agenda suggests mandatory qualifications may be round the corner. Our qualifications support the proactive agents who want to get qualified now, ahead of potential changes.”

Raise standards and promote new levels of industry excellence

Rightmove has also announced that new routes to qualification will be available later this year, making it easier for more agents to gain formal recognition.

The CELA programme is designed to cover both sales and lettings, while new individual sales and lettings qualification routes are being developed in partnership with Propertymark.

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, said: “As the housing sector evolves with ever-growing legislative demand, it is important the industry continues to embrace the true value in fully professionalising all services offered.

“Qualifications and continued professional development are key factors to uplifting industry perception and hold the potential for delivering enhanced levels of consumer trust and satisfaction.

“We are excited to work with Rightmove with the common ambition to raise standards and promote new levels of industry excellence.”

While the new module will go live within CELA from March, it is available now as a standalone training course to agents. Letting agents can check out the contents by clicking here.