New international Data law likely to affect many letting agents

A high profile and respected lettings sector legal expert is inviting questions from agents at a webinar next week - and he’ll be explaining why a new international privacy law is likely to impact the industry. 

David Smith, a partner at JMW Solicitors and legal counsel for the National Residential Landlords Association, will present a free webinar with repairs and maintenance software provider Fixflo and dive into new laws and important cases affecting the industry.  Smith is also encouraging registered agents to pre-submit questions ahead of the virtual event.

Among the confirmed topics is a recent High Court case relating to the controversial Breathing Space and mental health crisis moratoria. There will also be discussion on the administrative pitfalls that agents should be aware of when they handle rent arrears, plus key considerations when an agent outsources property management to a third party in order to minimise risks and operate a compliant practice.

Smith - who has written a book on data privacy laws - will also give letting agents an overview of the Personal Information Protection Law coming into force on November 1. This originates in Beijing and will apply to companies and organisations operating inside and outside China.

Why is this important to letting agents in the UK? 

Smith says: “If your lettings agency provides a fully-managed service to a Chinese landlord based in China, then the PIPL will apply to you. This could mean extensive implications, from having to appoint a China-based institution to re-acquiring consent from customers. 

“These requirements remind us of the GDPR in a number of ways, including the risk of financial compensations for non-compliant behaviours.” 

The webinar is between 11am and noon next Tuesday, October 12, and readers can get involved here.