Letting agents are being urged by a major player within the sector to communicate more with landlords and tenants, to smooth the transition to the new Renters Rights Act.
Valerie Bannister, technical lettings director at LSL Estate Agency Franchising, says with the first changes as a result of the Act coming as soon as December it’s clear the lettings industry is entering one of the most significant periods of change it’s seen in decades.
“We now have the certainty of what the full extent of these changes and the law will look like moving forward. The reforms will rebalance rights and responsibilities across the market – but they also demand that landlords and letting agents act now to prepare for the law being implemented” she urges.
“My advice to agents and landlords is simple: Review, adapt and communicate – and begin these processes now if you haven’t already. Take the time to audit your portfolios, check compliance processes, and ensure documentation and procedures are fully up to date. The move toward periodic tenancies and the phasing out of Section 21 will fundamentally change how we manage lets, so understanding the practical implications early is vital.
“For landlords in particular, now is the time to strengthen relationships with tenants and agents. Open communication, proactive maintenance, and transparency will be key to navigating the new landscape successfully.
“While the changes ahead will undoubtedly require adjustment, with preparation and the right support in place, both landlords and agents can continue to thrive under the new framework. The key is to stay informed and start planning now to reduce the financial risk, not when the law becomes effective further down the line.”
From December 27 draconian new powers are given to local councils to enforce the Renters Rights Act.
These powers enable councils to enter landlord or letting agency offices to seize documents, take pictures, ask questions, and seek information – and this can happen merely if illegal activity is suspected, rather than proven.
Such alleged illegal activity could include illegal evictions, properties that fail minimum safety standards, as well as landlords who let properties after a banning order.
The powers include the investigation of landlords or letting agents who have allegedly discriminated against tenants with children when selecting from rival applicants for a property.
