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The 2025 Landlord Compliance Checklist: Are You Meeting Your Legal Duties?
The 2025 Landlord Compliance Checklist: Are You Meeting Your Legal Duties?
As we step into 2025, landlords must stay up to date with ever-evolving regulations to ensure their rental properties remain compliant and legally sound. Failing to meet legal obligations can result in fines, penalties, and even the inability to rent out properties. To help you stay on top of your responsibilities, we’ve compiled a comprehensive compliance checklist for landlords in 2025.
1. Ensure Your Property Meets Minimum EPC Standards
The UK government requires rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of E. Ensure you have an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and consider energy-saving improvements like better insulation and energy-efficient boilers.
2. Gas and Electrical Safety Compliance
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Gas Safety: An annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is required for all rental properties with gas appliances. This must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
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Electrical Safety: Landlords must ensure properties meet Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which require an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years.
3. Fire Safety Regulations
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Install and maintain working smoke alarms on each floor of the property.
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Carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in rooms with solid fuel appliances (and from October 2022, extended to rooms with gas appliances).
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For HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), a licensed fire risk assessment may be required.
4. Right to Rent Checks
Landlords must verify the immigration status of tenants before letting a property. Ensure compliance with the government’s Right to Rent scheme by keeping proper records and updating checks where necessary.
5. Deposit Protection Rules
All tenancy deposits must be registered with a government-backed Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme within 30 days of receipt. Landlords must also provide tenants with prescribed information about their deposit protection.
6. Landlord Licensing Requirements
Some local councils require landlords to obtain a Selective Licence or HMO Licence depending on the location and type of property. Check with your local authority to ensure you meet the necessary licensing requirements.
7. Legally Compliant Tenancy Agreements
Ensure your tenancy agreements comply with the latest legislation, clearly outlining tenant and landlord responsibilities, rent terms, and conditions for eviction. Consider updating your agreements to reflect any recent legal changes.
8. Stay Up to Date with Renters’ Reform Changes
The Renters' Reform Bill is expected to bring significant changes in 2025, including the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions and stronger protections for tenants. Landlords should stay informed and prepare for new legal frameworks in place.
9. Repair and Maintenance Responsibilities
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords must keep rental properties in a good state of repair. Ensure heating, plumbing, and essential facilities are well-maintained, and respond to repair requests promptly.
10. Tax & Financial Compliance
Landlords must ensure they are meeting all tax obligations, including declaring rental income to HMRC. The transition to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for landlords is progressing, so check whether you need to start using compliant accounting software.
Final Thoughts
Staying compliant as a landlord in 2025 requires diligence and regular checks on new regulations. By following this checklist, you can protect your investment, maintain good relationships with tenants, and avoid costly legal issues.
At Higson Homes, we help landlords navigate compliance with ease. If you need assistance with property management or legal updates, contact us today at 129 Chanterlands Avenue, Hull, HU5 3TG.
📞 Call us on 01482 351351 or 📧 Email us at info@higsonhomes.co.uk to ensure your rental property remains legally compliant in 2025 and beyond!Back to Blog
