Letting agents are being urged to carry out full audits of their websites and online content following the introduction of the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) earlier this month.
Propertymark warns that outdated tenancy information, legal guidance and downloadable documents could still be publicly accessible online, potentially leaving agencies exposed to compliance risks under the new legislation.
The industry body says many agents have spent months preparing for the biggest overhaul of the private rented sector in more than 30 years, but older webpages, archived content and PDF documents may still remain indexed by search engines even after new information has been published.
The warning comes as the sector adapts to major reforms introduced on 1 May 2026, including the abolition of fixed-term tenancies and Section 21 notices in England.
LEGACY CONTENT RISKS
Propertymark says agencies face particular risks where legacy content still references tenancy structures or legal processes that are no longer valid under the new regime.
The organisation also highlighted concerns around old downloadable PDFs and outdated terms and conditions remaining stored on web servers, even where they no longer appear within the live navigation structure of a website.
The trade body says these hidden files can still appear in search engine results and potentially mislead consumers if not properly removed or managed.
SAFETY NET CHECKS
Nathan Emerson (main picture, inset), CEO of Propertymark, says: “The preparation on the lead up to phase one of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force across England has been incredible. It has required immense dedication and planning to ensure the new legislation has been smoothly implemented, and that agents can fully support landlords and tenants across the transformation.
“It now remains essential that agencies perform a full set of ‘safety net’ checks on all available information across all communication channels to ensure compliance.”
MISLEADING INFORMATION
He adds: “A key area of concern is the complexities of how many website content management systems work, and the fact that outdated information remains live and accessible in search engine results.
“To ensure compliance, it is important to fully audit website content and remove not only redundant information on potential physical webpages, but also previous linked PDF files, for example, which now contain either wrong or misleading information, inaccurate terms and conditions and outdated consumer advice.”
