Renters’ Rights Act 2025: What UK Landlords Need to Know and Do Now

Renters Rights Act Main Image

The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Act became law on 27 October 2025, marking the most significant change to the private rental market in decades.

This reform has been discussed for years, and now that it’s official, every landlord — from those with one rental property to experienced portfolio investors — needs to understand what has changed and how to adapt.

At Nachu Finance, we’ve always emphasised that property investment is not a passive activity. It requires time, care, and compliance — closer to running a small business than simply holding an investment. With the new rules now in force, landlords who treat their property portfolio with professionalism will continue to do well.

Eight Key Forms - Renters Right Act 2025

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has introduced sweeping reforms to improve tenant protections and raise housing standards. Here’s what this means for landlords:

  1. End of Section 21 Evictions: The familiar “no-fault eviction” has been abolished. Landlords must now use Section 8 and demonstrate valid reasons such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or the need to sell or move back in.
  2. All Tenancies Become Periodic: Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) are gone. Every tenancy automatically rolls month to month, giving tenants flexibility to leave with two months’ notice, and landlords can only end tenancies on specific grounds.
  3. New Possession Rules: Landlords can still regain possession to sell or move in, but only after 12 months and with four months’ notice.
  4. Mandatory Registration: Both landlords and their properties must be registered on the new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database before being marketed or let.
  5. Landlord Ombudsman Scheme: All landlords must join a new redress scheme, paying annual fees. The ombudsman can require remedial action or compensation where complaints are upheld.
  6. Decent Homes Standard: This applies to all private rentals for the first time. Properties must be safe, warm, and free from hazards such as damp or mould.
  7. Rent Increase Rules: Rent can only be increased once per year, with at least two months’ notice. Tenants can challenge increases at a tribunal.
  8. Ban on Rental Bidding Wars: Landlords cannot advertise a rent and then accept higher bids.

For professional landlords who already maintain their properties well, these changes will mainly mean formalising existing good practices rather than reinventing the wheel.

Understanding the New Tenancy Landscape
The shift to periodic tenancies is perhaps the most significant change.
Landlords can no longer rely on fixed end dates to regain possession, which makes tenant selection, documentation, and ongoing communication more critical than ever.

While eviction rules have tightened, landlords still retain rights where genuine reasons exist — such as rent arrears, breach of tenancy, or the need to sell.
This means thorough record-keeping and prompt action will now carry even greater importance.

7 Checklists - Renters Right Act 2025

With mandatory registration, higher property standards, and new complaint-handling procedures, landlords must now operate with stronger systems and checks.

  • Register both yourself and each property on the PRS Database once the portal is available.
  • Join the Landlord Ombudsman Scheme and budget for the annual fee.
  • Keep compliance documents up to date — Gas Safety, EICR, EPC, deposit protection, and right-to-rent checks.
  • Address any issues such as damp, mould, or faulty wiring proactively.
  • Update tenancy agreements to reflect periodic terms and rent increase rules.
  • Ensure your advertising is transparent, with a clearly stated rent figure.
  • Maintain proper records for inspections or future possession claims.

Most experienced landlords will already be doing much of this. The difference now is that compliance will be monitored more closely, and the penalties for neglecting it are higher.

What Landlords Should Do Now

The Renters’ Rights Act may sound complex, but the path forward is clear.
Every landlord — whether you let out one property or manage several — can start by reviewing three key areas:

  1. Registration and Documentation: Get ready for PRS and Ombudsman registration, and make sure every compliance certificate is current.
  2. Property Condition and Maintenance: Plan works early to meet the new Decent Homes Standard.
  3. Process and Planning: Build a system for reminders, record-keeping, and communication with tenants.

The infographic below summarises these into a simple step-by-step plan to help you stay ahead.

Coordinate with your letting agent or managing agent to ensure they’re up to date with the new regulations and compliance requirements.

The best way to approach the new legislation is with preparation, not panic.
Here’s a practical way forward:

  • Audit your portfolio: Check every property for safety and compliance.
  • Plan maintenance budgets: Bring older properties up to the Decent Homes Standard.
  • Review insurance cover: Especially rent guarantee, legal expenses, and pet-related damage.
  • Set reminders: Use systems or spreadsheets to track renewal dates for safety certificates.
  • Coordinate with your letting agent or managing agent to ensure they’re up to date with the new regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Join a landlord body: Organisations such as the NRLA provide valuable updates and guidance.

For landlords who already manage their properties professionally, the new Act simply means documenting more of what you already do.

Challenges & Opportunities -Renters Right Act 2025

It’s understandable that these changes might feel like additional burden, but they also mark a positive step toward a more transparent and professional rental sector.

While some landlords may decide this isn’t for them, those who continue with structure, diligence, and care will find greater stability in the long run.

The goal now should be to strengthen your systems, review your processes, and stay informed — not to step back from property altogether.

The Renters’ Rights Act may bring higher expectations and more oversight, but it also brings clarity and consistency.
For responsible landlords, this is an opportunity to stand out for doing things right — maintaining well-kept homes, fair treatment, and strong compliance.

With a little extra care and organisation, you can continue to thrive in this new landscape and provide homes you’re proud to let.

Transferring a Property to a Ltd Company: Does It Really Make Financial Sense?

Thinking of Moving

Structuring your buy-to-let portfolio under a Limited Company has become an increasingly popular strategy for landlords. But while this setup can offer clear tax advantages for new purchases, it’s not always suitable when transferring properties already held in personal names—unless the property was once your own residence.

This article walks through how Ltd company mortgages work, who they suit best, when transferring properties makes sense, and the key traps to avoid.

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The Realities of Buy-to-Let: Why Staying Compliant is Crucial for UK Landlords

Investing in buy-to-let properties can be a fantastic way to generate steady rental income and enjoy potential capital growth. However, being a landlord in the UK isn’t just about sitting back and collecting rent. It comes with a fair share of responsibilities and legal obligations that require your attention. Recent cases, like that of Labour’s Jas Athwal, have shown the importance of staying on top of these requirements. Athwal received negative publicity for not meeting essential safety standards in his rental property, highlighting that neglecting these rules can lead to hefty fines, legal trouble, and damage to your reputation. But don’t worry—understanding these responsibilities can help you avoid such pitfalls and keep your rental business running smoothly!

Key Requirements for UK Landlords

To help you stay on the right track, here’s a handy list of the key requirements every UK landlord should be aware of:

  1. Annual Gas Safety Checks
    •    Every year, you need to have a Gas Safe registered engineer check all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in your rental property.
    •    This is to ensure everything is safe and up to standard. Once the check is complete, provide your tenants with a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days.
    •    It’s a simple step that keeps everyone safe and sound!
  2. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
    •    To ensure electrical safety, an EICR must be carried out by a qualified electrician every five years.
    •    The report checks that all electrical installations are safe, and any issues found must be fixed promptly.
    •    Don’t forget to share the report with your tenants and the local council if they ask for it.
  3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
    •    Your property needs a valid EPC with a minimum rating of ‘E’ before you can rent it out.
    •    The EPC, which is valid for ten years, provides an energy efficiency rating for the property.
    •    Make sure to give a copy to prospective tenants at the start of their tenancy.
  4. ‘Right to Rent’ Checks
    •    Before renting to new tenants, you must check their immigration status to ensure they have the right to live in the UK.
    •    This involves reviewing and copying documents that prove their right to rent.
    •    Keep these records for the duration of the tenancy and for at least one year afterward to stay compliant.
  5. Landlord Licensing
    •    Some local councils in the UK have Selective Licensing Schemes, meaning you may need to get a license before renting out your property.
    •    Licensing conditions can vary, so check with your local council to see what’s required in your area.
    •    Failure to obtain a license can lead to fines, so it’s worth getting this sorted.
  6. Maintaining a Habitable Property
    •    Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, your property must be fit for living, which includes proper heating, ventilation, sanitation, and structural integrity.
    •    Keeping your property in good shape not only keeps your tenants happy but also prevents potential legal issues.
  7. Fire Safety Regulations
    •    Fire safety is a top priority! Make sure you have working smoke alarms on each floor and carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance.
    •    Regularly check and maintain these alarms to keep everyone safe and compliant with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations.
  8. Overcrowding and HMO Rules
    •    If your property is rented to three or more people who aren’t from the same household (forming a ‘House in Multiple Occupation’ or HMO), there are additional regulations to follow.
    •    HMOs require a specific license, and there are strict rules regarding room sizes, fire safety measures, and facilities.
    •    Overcrowding is also a concern; make sure your property has enough space for the number of occupants to avoid fines and ensure tenant safety.
  9. Providing a Written Tenancy Agreement
    •    Always provide a clear, written tenancy agreement that outlines the terms of the rental, including rent, payment schedules, and tenancy length.
    •    This helps prevent misunderstandings and provides a solid foundation for resolving any disputes.
  10. Deposit Protection
    •    If you take a deposit from your tenants, it must be protected in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme.
    •    Provide your tenants with information about how their deposit is protected within 30 days of receiving it.
    •    This step is crucial to avoid disputes and maintain good relationships with your tenants.
The Role of Letting Agents: Who’s Really Responsible?

Many landlords hire letting agents to help manage their properties, which can be a great way to lighten the load. Letting agents can handle tasks like tenant screening, rent collection, and property maintenance. However, it’s essential to remember that even if you use a letting agent, you, as the landlord, are ultimately responsible for ensuring that all legal obligations are met. If a letting agent fails to comply with regulations, it’s still the landlord who could face fines or legal action. So, make sure to stay involved and keep an eye on compliance to protect your investment.

Staying Proactive and Informed

Given the complexities and constant changes in rental regulations, landlords should adopt a proactive approach to property management. This means regularly reviewing legal requirements, staying updated with any new legislation, and conducting routine property inspections. Engaging with professionals, like property managers, solicitors, or letting agents, can provide valuable support in navigating the regulatory landscape. By doing so, you can ensure your property complies with all requirements, protect your investment, and maintain positive relationships with your tenants.

In Summary

While buy-to-let investments can be financially rewarding, they come with a set of responsibilities that cannot be ignored. By staying on top of the legal requirements and maintaining high standards of property management, landlords can avoid pitfalls like fines, legal trouble, and reputational damage. Remember, being a landlord is more than just a financial investment—it’s about creating a safe and welcoming home for your tenants. So, take a proactive approach, keep up with regulations, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful and hassle-free experience in the rental market.