Rightmove has launched a dedicated Renters’ Rights Act training module for letting agents, giving landlords access to professionals equipped with up-to-date knowledge of the incoming legislation.
The new module forms part of Rightmove’s Level 3 Certificate for Estate and Letting Agents (CELA) and will go live in April, one month before the Act takes effect in May.
Module covers key RRA provisions
The training covers the core changes landlords and agents must navigate from May, including periodic tenancies, the ban on rental bidding and restrictions on rent in advance, Section 13 rent increase procedures, and Section 8 grounds for possession.
Rightmove says the qualification helps agents demonstrate comprehensive expertise to landlords and stand out in a competitive market. According to the portal’s research, 72% of homeowners and 65% of renters say they would trust a qualified agent more.
Jason Charles, Rightmove’s head of education, said: “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.”
Becoming Rightmove Qualified is a way agents can highlight their expertise to potential home-movers, and gives agency owners the assurance that their staff are up to date on the latest legislation.
Mandatory qualifications may follow
The move comes as the government consults on home-moving reforms that could introduce mandatory letting agent qualifications. Rightmove says proactive agents can get ahead of potential changes by qualifying now.
Charles added: “The government’s home-moving reform agenda suggests mandatory qualifications may be round the corner. Our qualifications support the proactive agents who want to get qualified now, ahead of potential changes.”
Rightmove is also developing new qualification routes in partnership with Propertymark, including separate sales and lettings tracks launching later this year.
Industry backs professionalisation
Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
While the module launches within CELA in March, it is already available as a standalone training course. Agents can access it via the Rightmove training hub.
Opinion
For landlords choosing or retaining a letting agent, checking for RRA-specific qualifications makes practical sense. The Act introduces enough complexity that working with an uninformed agent could prove costly. This initiative deserves to succeed.
