Letting agents face growing pressure to strengthen their data and reporting capabilities as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force according to Reapit.
The proptech firm said the shift to a more tightly regulated private rented sector will place greater scrutiny on tenancy records, timelines and audit trails, particularly as enforcement powers increase and local authorities take a more active role.
The Act introduces sweeping changes across evictions, rent increases, tenancy structures and tenant protections, alongside new requirements around documentation and information sharing.
As a result, agents are expected to hold more comprehensive and accessible data to demonstrate compliance.
RISK FOR AGENTS
Steve Richmond (main picture, inset), General Manager, UK and Ireland at Reapit, says: “The Renters’ Rights Act changes the operating environment for agents. Regulators will be looking more closely at timelines, records and evidence, and that puts real pressure on the quality, depth and accessibility of tenancy data.
“It also introduces a real risk for agents who are looking to change software, as being able to prove compliance with historic tenancy records, audit trails and action logs still matter. Liability doesn’t vanish when a system changes, and newer platforms don’t always allow for the depth of data that established systems do.”
“Agents need to partner with PropTech providers that give them confidence. The changes we’ve made to Reapit support clear audit trails, reliable reporting and continuity of data across tenancy changes that are now fundamental parts of running an agency.”
ENFORCEMENT ACTION
Reapit says it has already supported the transition to periodic tenancies, migrating almost half a million records and delivering more than 40 training sessions focused on the new rules.
The warning comes as enforcement activity ramps up, with local authorities handed £60m to strengthen housing law oversight. Expanded powers include the ability to request tenancy data, seize documents and investigate compliance breaches, often at short notice.
RISK FACTORS
Against this backdrop, system choice is emerging as a key risk factor. Agents switching platforms may face exposure if historic data is lost or fragmented, particularly as liability can extend to pre-reform activity under transitional rules.
Reapit says it has migrated more than 18 million property records over the past decade, highlighting the growing importance of data continuity as agencies adapt to the biggest legislative shift in the lettings sector in a generation.
Beyond compliance, the firm adds that structured data will play an increasing role in driving operational insight and supporting the use of AI across agency workflows.
