New PropTech tools and a nationwide training programme have been launched to help agents prepare for the Renters Rights Act.
They come from Reapit, which describes the Act as “a defining moment for lettings in England, representing the biggest change in 30 years.”
Assured Periodic Tenancies
Tools will allow to manage Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs) throughout their life cycle.
Steps that no longer apply – for example, contract renewal negotiations – are automatically removed. Agents can also update large groups of existing tenancies to APTs in a single action, which saves considerable time and helps agencies seamlessly adapt to the new tenancy type.
Ending tenancies
From May 1, tenants on APTs will be able to give landlords two months’ notice at any time, while landlords will need a Section 8 notice to end a tenancy.
Reapit has updated its Notice Management section so agents can record and track who gave notice, when it was received, the proposed and final end date of a tenancy, the reason for the notice, uploaded documents, and a log of any required court attendance, all in one place. This removes the need to search separate comms.
Notice information flows directly into Reapit’s in-depth reporting and customisable letter templates, which means teams only enter information once and can use it across the platform.
Bidding wars and rent rises
The Renter’ Rights Act prohibits above-asking rent bidding and requires Section 13 notices for rent increases.
Reapit alerts users if the rent entered when arranging the tenancy is higher than the property’s advertised rent, while new rent review tools allow agents to see when a tenant’s rent is due for review, and store comparable rents using matching reports.
Awaab’s Law and more
Other new options flag, track and report on serious hazards through Reapit’s existing works orders and power reports. This will support agents across the UK when Awaab’s Law is implemented in Scotland in October and later in England after consultation.
Training
Reapit has expanded its in-person and online training programme to help teams master the new tech quickly.
Weekly live online sessions via Reapit IQ are available to customers and Reapit is also hosting in-person events across England where agents can ask questions and get hands-on help and advice from product specialists on Reapit’s latest renters rights technology.
Agencies that need more tailored training can secure discounted bespoke online courses.
