Navigating the Renters' Rights Bill: How Moverly helps letting agents stay compliant

The Renters' Rights Bill represents the most significant reform to the private rented sector since the Housing Act 1988. As the legislation evolves toward implementation in Spring 2025, letting agents need practical solutions to adapt to these changes while maintaining efficient operations.

These regulatory changes also present an opportunity to review approaches to client charging. Many agents are using this transition period to reassess their fee structures, particularly for compliance services that can be passed on to clients. With renewal fees potentially disappearing under the new system, now is an ideal time to consider alternative revenue streams that align with the new compliance requirements.

Section 21 notices will be abolished, requiring landlords to rely solely on expanded Section 8 grounds for evictions. This means more detailed documentation and evidence will be essential for successful possession claims.

Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will be replaced with periodic tenancies. All existing ASTs will automatically convert to periodic tenancies when the bill becomes law, requiring updated agreements.

Section 13 notices will become the only mechanism for rent increases, with a required 2-month notice period. Landlords can only raise rent once per year, making proper documentation crucial.

Starting May 14th, sanctions checks become a standard requirement:

• For landlords: Checks must be conducted at the point of instruction

• For tenants: Checks must be completed before finalising letting agreements

Our AML verification process goes well beyond basic requirements, providing:

• Full Sanctions Screening: Covers the OFSI's consolidated list and numerous other registers

• Address Verification: Confirms residence details with reliable data sources

• PEP Checks: Identifies politically exposed persons

• Photo ID Document Verification: Ensures authentic identification

• Cost Recovery + Margin Opportunity: These checks can be passed on to clients (excluding tenants) with the potential to add a service margin

• Automatic CRM Storage: All verification records are automatically stored in your CRM system, creating a seamless compliance trail

As tenancy agreements transition to periodic formats, our affordable e-signing platform streamlines the process:

• Cost-Effective Implementation

• Simplified Contract Management: Upload your updated periodic tenancy templates just once

• Digital Signature Collection: Obtain legally binding signatures remotely

• Complete Audit Trail: Every document interaction is timestamped and recorded

While focusing on the Renters' Rights Bill changes, remember that Material Information requirements also apply to lettings properties:

• Consolidated Compliance: Handle your Material Information needs on the same platform as your other compliance requirements

• Seamless Integration: Material Information certificates are automatically stored in your CRM

• Service Fee Opportunity: Cost can be incorporated into your landlord onboarding fees with the potential to add margins

1. Update Your AML Process: Ensure you're ready to conduct sanctions checks for both landlords and tenants

2. Review Contract Templates: Begin updating your tenancy agreements to reflect the move to periodic tenancies

3. Upload New Agreements: Add your revised contracts to Moverly's platform for easy e-signing

4. Review Your Fee Structure: Assess how compliance costs will be passed on to clients and what margins might be appropriate for your market

1. Develop Documentation Protocols: Create systems to maintain detailed records of all tenant and landlord interactions

2. Train Your Team: Ensure all staff understand the new requirements, and your updated charging policies (if you change these)

3. Client Communications: Prepare to educate landlords about the changes, how you're adapting to protect their interests, and any fee adjustments

4. Consider Revenue Alternatives: With renewal fees potentially disappearing, explore how compliance services can become a sustainable revenue stream

While the Renters' Rights Bill introduces significant changes, Moverly provides simple, effective tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing processes. Rather than adding layers of complexity, our platform consolidates compliance tasks into streamlined workflows that save time and reduce administrative burden.

The transition to the new regulatory framework doesn't have to mean increased workload or reduced income, it could be quite the opposite. With Moverly, you can:

• Maintain Compliance: Stay ahead of regulatory requirements with regularly updated tools

• Improve Efficiency: Reduce manual processes with our three-click compliance system

• Eliminate Document Management: Material Information and AML documents are automatically stored in compatible CRM systems

• Create New Revenue Opportunities: Our affordable pricing structure allows you to recover costs and potentially create margins on compliance services

• Enhance Client Confidence: Demonstrate professional expertise through robust compliance

Moverly is committed to evolving alongside the legislation, ensuring you always have the tools you need in the changing landscape.

Find us in your CRM’s app store or for more information on implementing these solutions, contact our support team today.