RentalStep says that landlords will need to consider their monthly outgoings and start shopping around for products that could save them money.
The government's impact assessment of the fees ban estimates that the collective cost to landlords in the policy’s first year of operation will be £82.9 million. It says that the caps on security and holding deposits, which will be introduced at the same time, could cost landlords a further £1.3 million a year.
It’s widely expected that the additional cost to landlords will come in the form of higher management fees from letting agents looking to replace lost income. The impact assessment estimates that the cost to letting agents in the first year of the ban will be upwards of £157 million.
Mike Georgeson, founder and chief executive of RentalStep, had this to say: "It’s time for landlords to evaluate their options to ensure the new law doesn't have a negative impact on their property business.
It’s clear from the government’s figures that the post-fees ban landscape is likely to be an expensive one for landlords at a time when the cost of letting a property has never been higher. That's why landlords need to shop around and explore alternative options to make sure they are getting value for money when it comes to necessary services such as tenant referencing and property advertising."
The PropTech entrepreneur says that technology and innovation will also have an important part to play in keeping landlords' costs down.
Mike says: "Products that utilise technology effectively can provide more efficient and time-saving processes at a lower cost than many traditional options."
RentalStep can save landlords money by allowing them to list available properties on Rightmove, Zoopla and PrimeLocation for a fraction of the normal cost.
"The rental market is changing at a rapid pace and if landlords want to remain successful, they need to find solutions that can help them to keep their properties occupied for a lower cost," Georgeson concludes.
