Letting agents are being highlighted as essential for landlords grappling with the growing weight of regulatory obligations, especially since the Renters' Rights Act (RRA) came into effect. The RRA has reshaped the private rented sector, introducing new mandatory standards and strengthening tenant protections.
Under the RRA, Section 21 has been abolished, a new Decent Homes Standard is mandatory for the private sector, and court powers have been revamped. These changes mean that landlords who do not adhere to compliance requirements could face significant issues with possession claims.
Compliance responsibilities for landlords have always been extensive, even before the RRA. Letting agents are described as performing a crucial role by checking, documenting, and notifying landlords about requirements such as Electrical Installation Condition Reports, Energy Performance Certificates, deposit protection, and Right to Rent checks.
Missing any of these compliance steps could jeopardise a landlord's possession claim. With Section 21 gone, all possession routes now depend on correct compliance and paperwork throughout a tenancy.