Rightmove Introduces New Renters’ Rights Training Module for Letting Agents

Summary: Rightmove has added a Renters’ Rights Act module to its Level 3 Certificate for Estate and Letting Agents (CELA), effective from April 2024. This update aims to ensure letting agents are fully prepared for the new legislation coming into force in May, benefiting landlords by promoting higher professional standards and up-to-date legal knowledge.

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New Renters’ Rights Module to Support Letting Agents

Rightmove has announced the launch of a new Renters’ Rights Act module as part of its Level 3 Certificate for Estate and Letting Agents (CELA), starting in April 2024. This addition is designed to prepare letting agents for the Renters’ Rights Act, which is set to come into effect in May 2024. By completing this module, agents will gain knowledge on key topics such as periodic tenancies, rental bidding, rent in advance, Section 13 rent increases, and Section 8 grounds for possession.

For landlords, this means their agents will be better equipped with the latest legal requirements, potentially reducing risks associated with non-compliance and improving the overall management of tenancies.

Qualifications Promote Higher Industry Standards

Rightmove emphasises that qualifications like the CELA programme help maintain strong standards within the property industry. Jason Charles, Rightmove’s head of education, stated: “Qualifications ensure strong standards within the property industry, and better-qualified agents mean better information, stronger consumer confidence, and a more resilient UK property market.” He added that becoming Rightmove Qualified allows agents to demonstrate their expertise to potential home-movers and reassures agency owners that their staff are up to date with the latest legislation.

The government has recently consulted on home-moving reforms, including proposals for mandatory letting agent qualifications. Rightmove highlights that 65% of renters and 72% of homeowners say they would trust a qualified agent more, underlining the value of formal training in building consumer trust.

Expanding Qualification Routes to Support More Agents

In addition to the new module, Rightmove plans to introduce new qualification routes later in 2024. These will make it easier for agents to gain formal recognition, with individual sales and lettings qualifications being developed in partnership with Propertymark. The existing CELA programme covers both sales and lettings, but the new routes will provide more tailored options.

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, commented: “As the housing sector evolves with ever-growing legislative demand, it is important the industry continues to embrace the true value in fully professionalising all services offered. Qualifications and continued professional development are key factors to uplifting industry perception and hold the potential for delivering enhanced levels of consumer trust and satisfaction.”

Immediate Access and Practical Implications for Landlords

The Renters’ Rights Act module is already available as a standalone training course for letting agents and will be integrated into the CELA programme from March 2024. Letting agents can access the course content now, allowing them to prepare well ahead of the Act’s implementation in May.

For landlords, this development means agents who complete the module will be more knowledgeable about new tenancy rules and processes, which can help ensure smoother tenancy management and compliance with the latest legislation. This proactive approach by agents can ultimately protect landlords’ interests and improve tenant relations.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Potential Mandatory Qualifications

Jason Charles also noted that the government’s home-moving reform agenda suggests mandatory qualifications for letting agents may be introduced in the near future. Rightmove’s qualifications offer a way for agents to get ahead of these potential regulatory changes, reinforcing their professionalism and readiness to advise landlords and tenants effectively.

Suggested internal link anchors

• Renters’ Rights Act
• letting agent qualifications
• private rented sector legislation
• periodic tenancies
• Section 13 rent increases
• Section 8 grounds for possession
• property management compliance
• tenant and landlord rights
• professional development for letting agents
• Propertymark partnership

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/