More than 300 letting agents are attending a two-day industry conference at Heathrow, with artificial intelligence, profitability and the changing lettings business model on the agenda.
Agent Rainmaker Live 2026, which began yesterday, concludes today at the Marriott Heathrow.
The event comes as letting agents face mounting pressure to adapt their businesses to regulatory changes, rising operating costs and new technology.
Organisers have billed the conference as an opportunity to examine how agencies can maintain profitability while managing their compliance obligations.
AI and outsourcing under the spotlight
Entrepreneur and author Daniel Priestley is among the headline speakers.
His session focuses on artificial intelligence, property technology, business growth and how agencies can differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Agent Rainmaker founder Sally Lawson is also addressing the conference.
A central theme is whether traditional agency structures remain fit for purpose.
Lawson is promoting what she calls the ‘Freestyle Business’ model. It encourages agency owners to rethink staffing, outsource administrative work and use AI to support existing employees.
The approach also involves using virtual assistants for repetitive tasks. This could allow agents to spend more time on client relationships and revenue-generating activities.
However, the model raises questions about how agencies maintain service standards, accountability and data security when outsourcing work.
Letting agents rethink their operations
The conference also examines how letting agents can adapt to changes under the Renters’ Rights Act.
Organisers say the industry must look beyond regulatory compliance and consider the longer-term financial implications for agency businesses.
Lawson said: “Agents don’t need more doom and gloom about legislation. They need clarity on what works now, and a plan to make their business more profitable under the new rules.”
She added: “We’ve moved on from basing success on bricks and mortar and how many people are sitting inside at a desk or on the phones.”
The event also covers marketing, finance and innovation, alongside the growing role of technology in agency operations.
