New app assesses eviction cases for Renters Rights Act compliance
A new app launched in England claims to identify eviction cases that would fail in court under the Renters Rights Act by checking required paperwork and statutory grounds before proceeding with possession actions.
The ComplyWithMe app, developed by Steleo Publishing, is designed to assist landlords and letting agents in navigating the complexities of eviction cases under the Renters Rights Act. It evaluates whether the necessary documentation is in place and guides users through one of twelve eviction scenarios, such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour, to determine the likelihood of court approval for possession.
Available from £119 per property annually, the app calculates notice periods and earliest court dates, and integrates with a related service for electronic submission of paperwork at the hearing stage. The tool excludes two anti-social behaviour grounds exempt from deposit requirements under the Act. This innovation reflects the increased legal emphasis on paperwork accuracy since the Act’s implementation.
How the app works and its legal context
The Renters Rights Act has introduced stricter conditions for possession proceedings, making the presence and correctness of paperwork pivotal to a landlord’s case. Missing or incorrect documents can now cause eviction attempts to fail outright. The ComplyWithMe app addresses this by refusing to build a possession case if the paperwork does not meet the Act’s requirements.
Users select from scenarios including tenants with three months’ arrears, property sales, or anti-social behaviour issues. The app then references the statutory grounds for possession, indicating whether the court must or may grant possession. This helps landlords avoid costly and time-consuming court failures due to procedural errors.
Stevie Hayes, founder of Steleo Publishing, emphasises that before the Act, missing documents were an administrative issue, but now they form the core of the case. The app’s approach recognises that possession claims are increasingly dependent on digital and mobile-generated paperwork, reflecting modern tenancy management practices.
Implications for landlords and letting agents
The app’s functionality offers practical benefits for landlords and agents managing possession cases. By automating compliance checks, it reduces the risk of unsuccessful eviction attempts caused by incomplete or incorrect documentation. This is particularly valuable for smaller landlords or those without dedicated legal teams.
Landlords must ensure that all paperwork, including notices, deposit protection evidence, and statutory forms, is accurate and complete before initiating possession proceedings. The app’s scenario-based guidance can also help clarify which legal grounds apply and the associated notice periods, which can be complex under the new legislation.
However, landlords should be aware that the app covers England only and does not replace legal advice. It is a tool to support compliance but does not guarantee court success. Users should continue to monitor official guidance and seek professional advice where cases are complex or contested.
Remaining uncertainties and practical considerations
While the app addresses paperwork compliance under the Renters Rights Act, some aspects remain unclear. For example, how the courts will interpret borderline cases or evolving anti-social behaviour grounds is still developing. The app’s exclusion of two anti-social behaviour grounds exempt from deposit rules indicates ongoing legislative nuances that landlords must understand.
Additionally, the cost structure based on portfolio size may affect uptake among smaller landlords. The integration with electronic submission services is a positive step but may require users to adapt existing workflows. The app’s reliance on user input accuracy also means that landlords and agents must maintain rigorous record-keeping and documentation practices.
Landlords should continue to follow updates from government and industry bodies to ensure their possession procedures remain compliant as the legal landscape evolves. The app represents a technological response to regulatory complexity but is one part of a broader compliance strategy.
What landlords should do now to prepare
- Review current possession case paperwork to ensure it meets Renters Rights Act requirements.
- Familiarise themselves with the statutory grounds for possession and associated notice periods under the Act.
- Consider trialling compliance tools like the ComplyWithMe app to identify potential case weaknesses before court action.
- Maintain detailed records of tenant communications, deposit protection, and notices served.
- Stay informed on legal developments and seek professional advice for complex eviction cases.
Supporting landlords with compliance and case management
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to compliance resources and practical information relevant to possession proceedings under the Renters Rights Act. Through TLA membership, landlords and letting agents can explore tools like ORBIT, TLA’s new property management and compliance platform currently in BETA testing. ORBIT aims to help users organise rental properties, manage tenancy documentation, and record key compliance actions, which can support preparation for possession cases.
While ORBIT’s full capabilities are still developing, its focus on centralising records and providing access to compliance materials aligns with the needs highlighted by the new legislation and tools like ComplyWithMe. Members can review TLA’s compliance resources and consider ORBIT BETA access to enhance their case management and regulatory adherence.
Explore TLA membership and learn more about ORBIT BETA access to support your possession procedures and broader property management compliance.
Looking ahead, technological solutions like ComplyWithMe and ORBIT are likely to become increasingly important in managing the administrative demands of tenancy law. Landlords who adopt these tools and maintain rigorous documentation will be better positioned to navigate the evolving legal environment.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association