Agents’ confidence in handling upcoming reforms appears stronger on paper than in practice, new research carried out by Goodlord shows.
While the majority of letting agents (89%) say they feel prepared for the changes ahead, deeper analysis suggests a more mixed picture.
The findings show that only 61% of agents feel ready to manage eviction processes, one of the most significant operational shifts expected under the forthcoming legislation.
According to Goodlord, the gap between perceived readiness and practical capability is highlighted as a key area of concern within the private rented sector, with potential implications for letting businesses as well as landlords and tenants.
Additional insight from a snap poll of letting agency leaders at a recent Goodlord Leaders’ Forum in central London found that a third (33%) of respondents believe the Renters’ Rights Act will have a negative impact on their business, while 18% said they do not expect to still be working in lettings in five years’ time.
“While confidence levels appear high on the surface, the gap between perceived readiness and operational capability – particularly around complex areas like evictions – highlights a clear need for more support,” said Tom Goodman, managing director at the Goodlord.
The major survey also found that 82% of landlords expressed concern about the impact of the incoming legislation, with 44% “very concerned”.
The findings suggest this will have real consequences for the market: three quarters of the landlords surveyed (75%) said regulation has made them less likely to grow their portfolios, with half (49%) planning to sell or reduce their stake in the market within the next twelve months. Wider estimates suggest more than 200,000 properties could disappear from the rental market by the end of this year.
Landlords and agents are not the only ones uncertain about the new rules. According to the data, just 18% of tenants feel fully confident in their new rights as a renter. 38% say better information surrounding the RRA would improve their renting experience. Agents and landlords have a key role to play in ensuring tenants are informed.
Goodman continued: “A strikingly small proportion of tenants are prepared to navigate the new system. This highlights a critical challenge for the PRS.
“Rights alone don’t improve outcomes. The RRA can only be effective if it’s understood, communicated and applied by all stakeholders in the PRS, including the tenants it was conceived to protect.”
