Automation can help the lettings industry adjust to potentially radical reforms, according to Openview – Powered by VTUK.

The automation specialists warned that letting agents must ensure their systems are in shape, so that they can successfully adapt to the rules and regulations introduced in the government’s recent ‘Levelling Up’ white paper.

Openview – Powered by VTUK also highlighted government plans to scrap Section 21 eviction powers, which have sparked agent and landlord concerns about having to continue tenancies where the tenant has damaged the property or not paid rent. The company stressed that agents and landlords would need to take measures as a result, to protect their business.

Peter Grant, chairman of Openview – Powered by VTUK proposed that automation could make the changes seem less daunting, as he explained: “Landlords and agents who make use of automated tools can keep up to date with the status of their properties through transparent reporting and task managers.

“These tools will keep landlords and agents protected, as the technology will successfully prove the quality of the home. Storing property information on a reliable cloud will keep all parties protected and prevent major issues from occurring in the future.”

Openview also emphasised the importance of automation to comply with the Decent Homes Standard. The Levelling Up paper includes plans for require agents and landlords in the private rented sector to ensure properties meet this industry standard.

Grant commented: “There is no room for human error or mistakes. Large amounts of data and amounts of money are dealt with daily in the property industry and this is why automated software that prevents illegal activity needs to be relied on.

“Automation promotes transparency and therefore will allow users to keep a watchful eye on every aspect of their business.

Grant believes that agencies dealing in both sales and lettings will face the biggest challenges.

He continued: “A large influx of homebuyers is expected as a result of the government’s aim to boost home ownership in England through a £1.5bn Levelling Up Building Fund. Also, most of the £1.8bn brownfield funding will help transform brownfield sites in the North and Midlands.

“With these upcoming plans to increase the level of housing, agents must ensure that their service is rapid and consistent during busy periods.”

Grant added: “When it comes to house purchases, time is of the essence as processes such as paperwork and transactions can cause delays. Although these new homes will not be built right away, agents must prepare for what is to come. Automation with cloud-based software will effectively keep track of high volumes of transactions and paperwork.

“Inaccuracies that occur when doing tasks manually can also slow the process down, yet this is avoided with automation. We strongly urge that agents and landlords replace manual tasks with automated ones so that when the number of homebuyers purchasing new builds does increase, they can meet the challenges.”