Legal Obligations Landlords Should Be Aware of in 2025

The property sector is undergoing significant changes with new regulations and evolving tenant expectations. These changes, coupled with a series of new reforms to improve the standards for tenants could lead to many landlords re-evaluating their portfolios and seeking services like guaranteed rent schemes. To help you stay informed, we have compiled the legal obligations that you should be aware of as a landlord in 2025.

Minimal Legal Requirements for Rental Properties
Becoming a landlord requires a strong understanding of your legal obligation. Although joining a guaranteed rent scheme helps you stay on top of the law, understanding what is required is necessary. Generally, The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 specifies the legal requirements for making your rental property safe for tenants, which include:
Be structurally sound
Be in a reasonable state of repair  
Be free from excessive dampness 
Be safe for healthy living
Be sufficiently ventilated 
Have an adequate amount of natural light 
Have access to a clean and adequate water supply 
Have a working kitchen with food preparation facilities
Have proper drainage and sanitation facilities
Have effective means of wastewater disposal
These requirements to being a landlord in the UK cover the overall standards of making a rental property liveable. However, there are additional obligations you need to understand as a landlord regarding the safety and energy efficiency of your property. 

The Renters’ Reform Bill
One of the most significant changes in the property space in 2025 is The Renters’ Reform Bill. The law aims to improve the rights of tenants and landlords in the private rented sector. The key provisions include:
Abolish Section 21 Evictions: Create a simpler tenancy structure by making all assured tenancies periodic.

Improve Housing Standards: Plans to improve the quality of housing.

Tenants’ Rights to Have Pets: Allow tenants to ask permission from their landlords to live with pets.

Rent Increment Limits: Rent increases are limited to one per year and the rental bidding practice comes to an end.

Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman: A dedicated ombudsman for a quicker and less adversarial way to resolve issues.

Comprehensive Possession Grounds: The ability oflandlords to recover property in certain circumstances, such as selling or moving in a close family member.

Social Housing Act
Following the death of a toddler in December 2020 after exposure to mould in the social home that his family rented, Awaab’s law was introduced as part of the Social Housing Act 2023.
The law mandates timely interventions for hazardous conditions, such as dampness and mould, intending to improve tenant safety and their living conditions by requiring landlords to meet set repair timelines.

Electrical Safety Obligations
Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require private landlords to ensure every electrical installation is inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person in no more than 5 years. Specifically, all fixed electrical installations on your rental property, including switches, plug sockets, and light fittings should be safe throughout the tenancy.

Gas Safety Checks
The law requires you to have an annual gas safety check by a registered engineer. The assessment covers all gas appliances in your rented property, including cookers, boilers, and fireplaces.

Fire Safety Regulations
All properties in England are required to adhere to The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations 2022 Act. The provisions of this Act include:
Landlords must install at least one smoke alarm on every level of the rental property that has rooms classified as living accommodation.
Landlords must install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance such as open fires, log burners, gas fires, gas boilers, or oil-fueled appliances.
Landlords must ensure that all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their rental properties are functional at the start of a new tenancy and fix or replace them when an issue is reported during the tenancy.
These fire safety regulations are put in place to minimise risk in the rental property and keep the tenants safe. Failure to adhere to the regulations means that you can end up being charged fines of up to £5,000. Other key pieces of legislation related to fire safety in rental properties include The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, both of which require a fire safety assessment of the property before the start of a tenancy.

Energy Efficiency Standards
Before you can legally rent out your property, it must have at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of an E. The rating reflects how energy efficient a property is, which ranges from A (best) to worst (G). Note that the minimum EPC rating is set to rise to C in 2030, so you may need to improve the conditions of your rental property before then.

Furnishing in Rented Properties
The Furniture and Furnishings Regulations 1988 require domestic upholstered furniture and items with upholstery to pass the match flame and smouldering cigarette-resistant test, and carry a label to confirm this. While most manufacturers after 1990 usually meet these standards and contain an indicating label, as a landlord, you need to ensure that the furnishing in your rental properties is compliant.

Assessing Legionella Risks for Landlords
Landlords are required to carry out regular checks to assess the risk for Legionnaires Disease and put in place control measures. The measures include:
Flushing the water system before the start of a tenancy
Ensuring water is kept at the right temperature
Ensuring cold water tanks have a tight lid
Removing unused pipework
Reminding tenants to clean shower heads and run taps before use after being away

Join a Guaranteed Rent Scheme to Stay Compliant
Staying compliant with the ever-changing legislation is usually challenging for many landlords. By partnering with a guaranteed rent agency like Paul Alexander Group, you can remain compliant without the hassle of maintaining your property or worrying about unpaid rent.
Let us take on the management responsibility of your property, in return, we will ensure your property remains compliant with all legal requirements, you will also receive a fixed rental income regardless of your property’s vacancy status.

Book your discovery call today to discuss our top guaranteed rent services and entrust your property to specialists with over 15 years of experience.