A new rent review platform has launched ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation, aiming to streamline the rent review process for letting agents facing increased regulatory scrutiny.
MarketRent has been founded by Rajeev Nayyar and Duncan Careless, who previously co-founded property maintenance platform Fixflo. The platform is designed to help letting agents manage rent reviews through a structured workflow system, replacing manual processes such as spreadsheets and email chains.
Regulatory pressure
The launch comes as the Renters’ Rights Act, effective from 1st May, introduces stricter requirements around rent increases and tenant protections. The legislation gives tenants greater ability to challenge rent increases through the First Tier Tribunal.
Rajeev Nayyar, chief executive of MarketRent, said: “Rent reviews are becoming more important, more visible and more operationally demanding. For many agents, the current process is still too manual, too fragmented and too hard to evidence if it is challenged.”
The platform aims to provide a documented audit trail of rent review decisions, from initial market analysis through to final negotiations. This approach mirrors broader changes in the rental sector as landlords and agents adapt to increased compliance requirements.
Tribunal risk
David Smith, partner at law firm Spector, Constant & Williams, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act will make rent reviews far more important for agents and landlords. Providing clear evidence and a structured process should reduce the risk of an appeal to the First Tier Tribunal which is of particular importance given that if a rent increase is appealed any change will only take effect from the date of Tribunal determination.”
The platform is opening an early adopter programme ahead of a full launch in the coming weeks. The timing reflects growing operational challenges for letting agents, who face mounting regulatory pressures including stricter enforcement of licensing requirements and compliance standards across the sector.
The development signals a shift towards technology-driven compliance solutions in the rental market as agents seek to manage increased administrative burdens while maintaining profitability.
