Widespread concern throughout the sector over incoming regulatory adjustments and the Renters’ Rights Bill, have been highlighted in new analysis by proptech supplier Reapit.
The Property Outlook Report 2025 reveals letting brokers, landlords, and gross sales professionals are bracing themselves for essentially the most difficult compliance atmosphere in a long time.
Almost 60% of respondents cited new laws as their principal fear for 2025. These numbers replicate rising unease in regards to the implications of reforms on the house gross sales and personal rented sector (PRS).
The Renters’ Rights Bill, as a result of turn out to be legislation later this yr is inflicting specific anxiousness. When launched it should abolish fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies and Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, whereas introducing extra stringent restore obligations, lease problem rights for tenants and tighter compliance deadlines. It additionally introduces an unbiased ombudsman for the PRS and considerably will increase penalties for non-compliance.
Reapit’s examine signifies that greater than 61% of property professionals surveyed stated they had been dissatisfied with the draft proposals first launched in 2024, whereas fewer than one in ten expressed help.
EPC adjustments are additionally on the horizon for the PRS, with all properties needing to achieve a minimal EPC ranking of C for brand new lets by 2028.
The authorities has revealed it’s seeking to deal with a few of the business’s concerns across the Bill.
In a reply to Reapit’s enquiries, housing minister Matthew Pennycook MP defined that HM Courts and Tribunals Service was seeking to deal with delays in bailiff enforcement affecting landlords by strengthening bailiff recruitment and retention, issuing clearer steerage on rights and obligations.
Also launching an automatic fee system to streamline debt restoration to unlock bailiffs for possession circumstances.
The authorities can be engaged on a brand new end-to-end digital possession service that can automate warrant requests and price submissions, with the goal of accelerating the enforcement course of by slicing the quantity of admin time spent on paperwork.
The authorities can be contemplating a quicker, various mechanism for preliminary lease assessments, avoiding a tribunal listening to totally, one thing Reapit has campaigned for.
The Renters’ Rights Bill, launched by Labour in September 2024 has progressed slower than anticipated.
Labour, through the General Election marketing campaign stated it might finish no-fault evictions “instantly” if it gained energy – that didn’t occur.
