With most private landlords still managing their properties themselves, the introduction of new regulations is expected to increase scrutiny of compliance and day-to-day management responsibilities. According to Zoopla, this shift to agents creates an opportunity to engage self-managing landlords at the value of professional property management services.
The property portal has launched a new rental guide on its platform in response to the Tenant Rights Act, which is expected to bring significant changes to the private rental sector.
The guide will be promoted to tenants and landlords using the Zoopla website, along with a series of landlord-focused articles that agents can use in their communications. These materials are intended to support engagement with landlords, particularly those who self-manage their properties.
According to the MHCLG Private Landlord Survey 2024, more than 40% of landlords currently use agents for lettings or tenant finding services, while nearly 80% manage their properties themselves. Zoopla’s analysis shows that upcoming regulatory changes may increase demand for professional management services among self-managing landlords.
The content series has been developed with input from Zoopla’s Lettings Advisory Board and aims to outline key legislative changes, compliance requirements and guidance on communicating updates to tenants.
Topics covered include areas such as rent increase rules and general compliance issues under the new framework, with the aim of breaking down the requirements for landlords into a practical summary.
Zoopla is making the content available for agents to use on their own channels, allowing them to share updates and guidance directly with landlord customers.
Rich Hayes, chief operating officer of Zoopla, said: “The Tenant Rights Act is the biggest change to rental law in a generation, and it creates a real opportunity for agents who provide management services to grow their business.
“With most private landlords still self-managing, the new rules provide a great opportunity to make the case for using an agent for professional property management.
“Zoopla reaches four out of five landlords and tenants, and we’ve invested in content that not only helps them navigate the changes, but gives agents the tools to start those conversations and win more high-quality instructions.”