Introduction to PlanetRent

Ringley Group has launched PlanetRent, an automated lettings platform aimed at simplifying the rental process for landlords, agents, and tenants. By reducing administrative work and improving governance, the platform aims to streamline the rental experience while preventing costly fines.

Benefits of Automation for Landlords and Agents

PlanetRent helps landlords and letting agents avoid fines of up to £20,000 for errors in governance, such as incomplete documentation or outdated safety certificates. It ensures that legal documents are up to date and that all compliance requirements are met, all while automating back-office tasks.

Real-Time Reporting and Portfolio Management

The platform provides real-time reporting, allowing landlords and institutional investors to stay updated on the performance of their portfolios. This centralized system ensures that all parties, including agents and contractors, have access to essential resources such as property floorplans, photography, and legal documentation.

Remote Accessibility and Integration with Accounting Software

PlanetRent is designed for flexibility, allowing landlords and agents to manage their properties remotely, which could be especially useful in case of future lockdowns. The platform integrates with popular accounting software like Sage and Xero, further streamlining financial management for agents and landlords.

Enhancing Landlord-Tenant Relations

Mary-Anne Bowring, the group managing director of Ringley, emphasized that institutional investment is reshaping the rental market, with tenants increasingly expecting better customer service. PlanetRent enables agents to provide an enriched tenant experience while focusing on essential aspects of the lettings process, improving the overall rental journey.

Impact on the Rental Market

PlanetRent helps even smaller agents operate like larger agencies, such as Foxtons, by centralizing administration tasks. This allows agents to focus on revenue-generating activities and deliver better services to tenants. The platform comes at a time when the UK rental market is seeing a rise in tenant demand and more buy-to-let listings, according to the latest RICS survey.