The new rules for Landlords in 2025: What you need to know.

As we move into 2025, landlords across the UK face significant changes to the rental laws, with new regulations designed to improve tenant rights and promote fairness in the rental market. The government's Renting Reform Bill[1] is a key piece of legislation that will reshape the way landlords manage their properties and engage with tenants.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

What’s Changing:

From 2025, all newly rented properties in the UK must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)[2] rating of “C” or higher. This strengthens the minimum "E" rating standard which has been in effect since 2018.

What this means for landlords:

Landlords will now need to carry out energy efficiency improvements, such as installing insulation or upgrading heating systems. Landlords would also be required to plan for upgrades well in advance to meet these standards, as enforcement will become stricter.

Failure to comply could result in fines of up to £30,000 per property.

Renters (Reform) Bill implementation.

What’s Changing:

• Section 21 “No-Fault” evictions will be abolished meaning landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a valid reason.
• Fixed-term contracts will be replaced with open-ended agreements, giving tenants more flexibility.

What this means for Landlords:

• Landlords must use section 8 to regain possession, requiring evidence for eviction (e.g. rent arrears or property damage). This could mean a longer and potentially costlier eviction process if a dispute arises.
• Landlords will be required to adapt their tenancy management practices and actively maintain accurate records
• Enhanced Anti-Discrimination Rules.

What’s changing:

It will now be against the law for Landlords to refuse tenants based on benefits (“NO DSS”) or having children. This aim is to ensure there is equal[3] access to housing for all applicants.

What this means for landlords:

Landlords must assess tenants based on affordability and reference, ensuring compliance with discrimination laws. Landlords must fairly evaluate each situation, even though they may have concerns about renters receiving benefits or having children. For extra security, some landlords could use rental guarantee insurance.

• Tenants’ rights to keep pets.

 What’s changing:

Tenants can request to keep pets, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse[4]. Landlords will only be permitted to refuse pet requests with a valid reason but will be allowed to insist on pet insurance for damages.

What this means for landlords:

Landlords may need to accommodate pet-related requests, considering factors like property size and condition which could potentially increase wear and tear. However, pet insurance helps mitigate financial risk.

• Mandatory Landlord registration

What’s changing:

Landlords will be required to register on a national Private Rented Sector Database[5]. This is designed to provide information and help landlords and tenants understand their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance, making the rental market more transparent and accountable.

What this means for landlords:

Landlords will have to register and submit information about their properties and legal compliance. Failure to do so could result in fines or restrictions. While it adds some administrative work, the system is intended to increase transparency and make it easier to enforce regulations.

1. [1] Renters (Reform) Bill 2023 (UK).

[2] Arun District Council, ‘Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)’ (Arun District Council) https://www.arun.gov.uk/mees accessed 17 January 2025.

[3] Equality Act 2010 Guidance, ‘The Equality Act 2010’ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance accessed 17 January 2025.

[4] Gov.uk, ‘Private Renting: Renting with Pets’ https://www.gov.uk/private-renting accessed 17 January 2025.

[5] Gov.uk, ‘Landlord Licensing and Property Registration’ https://www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property/registering-your-property accessed 17 January 2025.