The passing of the Renters’ Rights Act has marked a major shift for the UK’s private rented sector – and with it, a growing recognition that traditional approaches to agent training are no longer fit for purpose.
Property investment company Sourced says the legislation should be a catalyst for a new era of agent education – one that prioritises ethics, transparency, and tenant wellbeing alongside compliance and commercial success.
For years, agent training has focused largely on meeting minimum legal requirements while maximising income.
But with the rental market under increasing pressure from a shortage of affordable homes and rising living costs, that approach is being challenged.
MINDSET SHIFT
Sourced believes that the future of the lettings industry depends on rebuilding trust between agents, landlords and tenants – and that begins with a shift in mindset, embedded through more human-centred training.
Stephen Moss (main picture), Founder and Chief Executive of Sourced, says: “Sourced welcomes the news that the Renters’ Rights Bill has received Royal Assent to become an Act of Parliament.
“The UK Private Rental Sector has been in crisis for some time, and the lack of affordable rental properties is squeezing tenants who are already hit by the cost-of-living crisis.”
FUNDEMENTAL RETHINK
And he adds: “At Sourced Living we believe there needs to be a fundamental rethink in agent training to help address some of the issues and deliver improved tenant-focused practices.
“Traditional letting agent training has mainly focused on the importance of achieving minimal legal compliance whilst maximising fees, but if the PRS is to survive and thrive going forward there must be change.
“The government remains under pressure to act on the recommendations of the Regulation of Property Agents (RoPA) working group, and we believe agent training must have more emphasis on ethics, transparency and the human impact of housing decisions. This can only be a good thing for the industry.”
HELPING LANDLORDS
“At Sourced we view the stronger tenant protections that the Renters’ Rights Act will bring as positive progress for the rental market. Our training programme has been completely modified to prepare agents for the Act, and we have now introduced a bespoke, exclusive to Sourced, flexi let model.
“This ensures that our agents are able to help their landlords maximise rental income, whether that is through traditional lets, HMOs or serviced accommodation, whilst maintaining our stringent ethical principles.
“Landlords are educated on how to diversify their property letting strategy whilst ensuring full compliance with renters’ rights.
“Our approach to training starts even before an agent joins Sourced. We ensure that every Sourced agent shares our core belief of putting people over profits and understand the need to treat people with respect in order to build their reputation and livelihood. This needs to become an industry-wide concept.”
EMPOWERING TENANTS
Sarah Byrne, Brand Manager for Sourced Living, who has 17 years of experience in franchising, adds: “We have a team of professional in-house trainers at Sourced and the programme they deliver nurtures a deep commitment to tenant rights under the current and upcoming legislation.
“We emphasise the importance of empowering tenants rather than just acting as gatekeepers. Sourced agents are encouraged to work with landlords to keep quality properties accessible, and to have transparent conversations about affordability from the start to create sustainable tenancies.
“Every tenant interaction is an opportunity for an agent to build trust and deliver standards that go beyond minimum requirements.
“We strongly believe that landlords need to be made aware that ethical practice will benefit them as well as their tenants. F
“or example, proactive maintenance, rather than reactive repairs, will help to create sustainable long-term tenancies in homes that people enjoy living in.”
