A new artificial intelligence tool, AutoCert, has been introduced by property software provider Alto, promising to revolutionise how UK letting agents manage property compliance. Launched as part of Alto’s wider Intelligence suite, the AI-powered system is designed to automate the often-time-consuming process of renewing essential property certificates, thereby freeing up agents to focus on other aspects of their business.
Integrated directly into the Alto CRM platform and developed in collaboration with Aguru, AutoCert targets key compliance documents such as gas safety certificates, Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The system works by proactively identifying upcoming expiry dates, coordinating necessary actions with landlords, tenants, and contractors, validating submitted documents, and automatically updating property records. This end-to-end automation aims to significantly reduce the manual workload associated with compliance.
Alto estimates that the implementation of AutoCert could save a typical letting agency branch more than 70 hours of administrative work each year, by cutting the time spent on certificate renewals by up to 80%. This efficiency gain is not only about saving time but also about mitigating the substantial risks associated with compliance failures, which can lead to significant financial penalties and regulatory issues for both letting agents and landlords under UK housing laws.
Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, CEO of Alto, highlighted the critical nature of compliance, stating, “Compliance doesn’t generate revenue. But it carries enormous risk when it goes wrong.” He added that AutoCert aims to “remove that risk entirely” by actively managing the renewal workflow and ensuring records are updated and certificates lodged within the Alto system, with agents overseeing the process rather than micro-managing every detail.
For UK businesses, particularly in the property sector, tools like AutoCert represent a growing trend in leveraging AI for operational efficiency and risk management. While the immediate benefit is administrative time-saving, the broader implication is a more robust compliance framework, potentially leading to better service for tenants and landlords. The UK’s regulatory landscape, overseen by bodies such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), will continue to monitor the ethical and data privacy implications of such AI deployments, ensuring that automated processes handle sensitive information securely and transparently. The EU AI Act, while not directly applicable to the UK post-Brexit, also sets a precedent for responsible AI development that UK companies often consider.
Expert commentary suggests that while AI offers immense opportunities for efficiency, businesses must ensure that human oversight remains in place, especially for critical compliance tasks. The integration of AI in property management could lead to a more streamlined and less error-prone sector, but also necessitates ongoing training for staff and robust data governance to maintain trust and accountability.