Rightmove has updated its Level 3 Certificate for Estate and Letting Agents (CELA) to include a new module on the Renters’ Rights Act, ahead of the legislation’s implementation on 1 May 2026.
From March, the Renters’ Rights module will be incorporated into the qualification programme. The training is included within standard Rightmove memberships, with agents paying only an examination fee to independent exam board ABBE when sitting the formal assessment.
The module covers key legislative areas including periodic tenancies, rental bidding and rent in advance, Section 13 rent increases, and Section 8 grounds for possession. While it becomes part of the full qualification from March, the module is currently available as a standalone course through the Rightmove Hub.
Separate sales and lettings routes planned
Later in 2026, Rightmove will introduce separate sales-only and lettings-only qualification routes, developed in partnership with Propertymark. The development follows a government consultation on home-moving reforms, which included proposals for mandatory agent qualifications.
In 2025, approximately 10,000 agents enrolled in CELA, whilst around 60,000 agents were registered users of the Rightmove Hub.
Jason Charles, Rightmove’s Head of Education, stated: “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.”
Industry response and consumer trust
Research conducted by Rightmove indicated that 65% of renters and 72% of homeowners reported they would trust a qualified agent more than an unqualified one.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, commented: “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.”
The timing of the qualification updates coincides with the property industry preparing for regulatory changes under the Renters’ Rights Act, which represents one of the most significant shifts in lettings legislation in recent years. The introduction of mandatory qualifications could reshape professional standards across the estate agency sector.