A London estate agency has implemented technology to manage increasing rental sector compliance requirements, as non-compliance penalties reach up to £40,000 per offence since May.
Brinkleys, a three-branch London agency, has integrated an API system to identify high-risk properties before they incur fines, according to Chief Executive Bernadette Sheridan. The system flags properties requiring attention for licensing, planning schemes, fire safety, and HMO requirements.
Penalty landscape
Since May, non-compliance in the rental sector can result in fines of up to £40,000 per offence, Rent Repayment Orders up to 24 months’ rent, and potential criminal sanctions. The penalties apply to various regulatory areas including licensing schemes, planning requirements, and fire safety standards.
The agency has partnered with compliance technology provider Yuno to give property managers access to licensing and planning rules, landlord obligations, and HMO requirements including Fire and Amenity Standards.
The regulatory environment has prompted landlords to take pre-emptive action ahead of legislative changes, with the Renters’ Rights Bill adding further complexity to compliance requirements.
Industry response
Sheridan stated that the technology allows managers to “anticipate issues rather than react to them” and interpret regulations in real time. The agency reports time savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced client retention as outcomes of the system.
The approach requires staff training to interpret automated alerts and make strategic decisions, including prioritising property inspections and identifying portfolio risks. Similar to other technology adoption in the agency sector, implementation involves ongoing review of data outputs.
Brinkleys was founded in 2006 and operates three branches in London. The agency’s adoption of compliance technology reflects broader industry challenges as regulatory requirements continue to expand across the rental sector.
