"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"
- Steve Richmond - Reapit
As the Renters' Rights Act comes into force, lettings software provider Reapit is urging agents and property managers to treat data resilience as a compliance priority, warning that the new regulatory environment puts greater pressure on the quality and accessibility of tenancy records.
The Act introduces new rules covering evictions, rent increases, anti-discrimination measures, open-ended tenancies and information sheets that must be served to existing tenants. It also strengthens local authority enforcement powers, raising the likelihood of investigations and making the integrity of agent-held evidence more consequential than before.
"The Renters' Rights Act changes the operating environment for agents," said Steve Richmond, general manager, UK and Ireland at Reapit (pictured).
"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 matters. 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."
Reapit has worked with agents across England on the transition to the new assured periodic tenancy framework, migrating almost 500,000 tenancies to the new model and delivering over 40 training sessions focused on the Act.
The company has also rolled out new and updated features covering rent reviews, prevention of rent bidding, renting with pets and revised eviction processes, all designed to support auditable tenancy data and agent compliance.
Enforcement powers strengthened
Local authorities have received £60m to bolster housing law enforcement, alongside expanded investigatory powers and higher financial penalties. Those powers include the ability to enter business premises, seize documents and request tenancy information from agents and organisations.
As enforcement activity grows, agents will need to respond quickly to data requests, often at short notice. In that context, how well a CRM system can report on tenancies and demonstrate when actions took place becomes a practical operational concern.
Technology choice becomes a risk factor
The scale of legislative change has prompted some agents to review their technology platforms, but switching systems now carries its own risks. Where historic data is fragmented, overwritten or lost during migration, gaps may only surface when records are requested by a local authority or tribunal, potentially leaving agencies unable to demonstrate compliance.
Offences that predate the Renters' Rights Act can also be investigated under the previous legal framework, as set out in Regulation 11 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (Commencement and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026.
Data portability and long-term accessibility are therefore critical for any agent considering a system change. Over the past decade, Reapit has migrated more than 18 million property records to its platform.
Long-term value of structured data
The value of well-maintained data extends beyond regulatory compliance. Long-term datasets support trend analysis, business insight and the effective use of AI tools, giving agents a broader operational advantage as the private rented sector continues to evolve.
As lettings businesses adapt to the biggest change in the industry in decades, platforms that prioritise data continuity, reporting capability and system resilience are playing an increasingly central role in helping agents stay on the right side of the law.
