The Renters’ Rights Act will introduce significant changes to how tenancies, rent reviews and tenant engagement are managed across the private rented sector.

For letting agents and property managers, the challenge will not simply be understanding the new legislation but ensuring that operational systems can support compliance from day one.

Across the industry, technology providers are beginning to update their platforms to reflect the new regulatory framework. MRI Software is among those introducing enhancements, across its Sales & Lettings, MRI Living, and Qube PM solutions, designed to help agents adapt to the changes ahead.

“The Renters’ Rights Act represents a significant shift for the sector.” says Dan Foryszewski, Managing Director for MRI Living (Private Residential), at MRI Software.

By embedding these requirements directly into the platform, we aim to make compliance part of everyday operations.”

“Our focus has been on ensuring that agents can adapt to these changes without adding unnecessary administrative complexity. By embedding these requirements directly into the platform, we aim to make compliance part of everyday operations.”

Updating tenancy records in bulk

One of the most immediate changes will be the move to periodic tenancies. For agencies managing large portfolios, manually updating tenancy records could present a considerable administrative burden. To support this transition, MRI has introduced functionality that enables existing tenancies to be converted to the periodic model in bulk.

New tenancies created within the system are automatically configured as periodic, helping agents ensure compliance from the outset. This allows firms to update tenancy structures across their portfolio quickly, rather than managing changes on a property-by-property basis.

Managing rent reviews to align with Section 13

The legislation will also introduce clearer rules around rent increases and the use of Section 13 notices. In response, MRI has developed new rent review capabilities that allow agents to manage reviews through a central dashboard.

Within the platform, users can benchmark proposed rent increases against client comparable data and track the full review process, from issuing notice through to the outcome. Once a review has been completed, the system automatically updates rent charges and schedules the increase in line with the required notice period.

Pets and tenant requests

Changes within the Renters’ Rights Act will also affect how agents handle tenant requests, including applications to keep pets. To support this, new workflows allow tenants to submit requests digitally via MRI’s tenant engagement portal, Engage. Property managers can review, approve and track requests through a centralised dashboard, including confirming requirements such as appropriate pet insurance.

Strengthening complaints management

With an increased emphasis on tenant protections, the legislation also places greater importance on transparent complaints processes.

MRI’s platform introduces new tools that allow complaints to be logged, categorised and tracked, with time-stamped records.”

MRI’s platform enhancements introduce new tools that allow complaints to be logged, categorised and tracked, with time-stamped records of communications and actions taken. This creates a clear audit trail for agents while providing dashboards that help teams monitor activity and ensure responses remain within required timeframes.

Preparing for implementation

As the Renters’ Rights Act moves closer to implementation, many agents are now assessing whether their operational systems are ready for the changes ahead.

Technology updates such as these are designed to help ensure that compliance is embedded within everyday workflows providing the visibility and controls needed to manage portfolios confidently under the new regulatory framework.

To learn more about how technology can support agents preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act, visit MRI Software.