Navigating the 2025 UK Rental Law Changes: A Landlord’s Guide by 360 Properties

A clear, landlord-focused guide to navigating the new UK rental legislation and protecting your property portfolio in 2025

Navigating the 2025 UK Rental Law Changes: A Landlord’s Guide by 360 Properties

At 360 Properties, we understand that keeping up with evolving legislation is key to protecting your rental investments and ensuring your properties remain compliant. The UK rental law changes 2025 are some of the most significant in decades, reshaping the landscape for both landlords and tenants.

These updates bring new legal responsibilities for landlords, aiming to create a fairer, more secure rental market. But what do these changes mean for landlords in Aylesbury, Teesside, and beyond? Here's our clear, no-nonsense guide to help you stay ahead.

What’s Changing? Key Rental Reforms for 2025

1. End of ‘No-Fault’ Evictions – Section 21 Abolished

From 2025, Section 21 evictions—often called 'no-fault evictions'—will be scrapped. This means you can no longer end a tenancy without providing a legitimate reason.

Approved grounds will include:

• Persistent rent arrears
• Selling the property
• Wanting to move back in
• Proven tenant misconduct

At 360 Properties, we recommend landlords review their current tenancy agreements and eviction processes to stay compliant with these new landlord laws in 2025.

2. All Tenancies Become Periodic

Say goodbye to fixed-term contracts. All tenancies will now roll month to month, giving tenants more flexibility to move on, while still allowing landlords to regain possession when needed under the new legal grounds.

This means you’ll need to rethink how you manage tenancy renewals and adjust your expectations around tenancy length.

3. Stricter Rules on Rent Increases

Landlords can only raise the rent once per year and must provide two months’ notice. Tenants will have more power to challenge increases if they feel they're unfair or above the local market rate.

We advise all landlords to conduct annual rent reviews and ensure increases reflect current market rental values—particularly in high-demand areas like Aylesbury and Teesside.

4. Introduction of the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman

The new PRS Ombudsman will make it easier for tenants to resolve disputes without going to court. As a landlord, you'll be required to register and engage with the ombudsman service if a dispute arises.

360 Properties’ property management services will automatically handle disputes on your behalf, ensuring a stress-free process.

5. Fair Access to Rentals – No DSS or Family Discrimination

Discriminating against tenants on benefits or with children will be outlawed. This change encourages landlords to offer equal access to rental properties, ensuring you widen your tenant pool while remaining legally compliant.

6. Tenants Can Request Pets (and You Can’t Say No Without Good Reason)

Tenants can now formally request permission to have a pet. Landlords must consider these requests fairly and can only refuse on justifiable grounds. You can, however, request pet insurance to cover potential damage.

At 360 Properties, our letting agent team in Aylesbury and Teesside can help you create clear, pet-friendly tenancy policies.

7. Cap on Upfront Rent Payments

Landlords can’t ask for more than one month’s rent upfront, making rental homes more accessible and affordable to tenants.

8. Energy Efficiency Deadline 

 Currently all rental properties in England and Wales must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘E’ or above. Failing to meet this standard could mean hefty fines or being unable to let your property legally. The Goverment are proposing this changes to a C or above rating.

Our property compliance experts at 360 Properties can arrange an EPC assessment and advise on cost-effective upgrades.

How Should Landlords Prepare?

To ensure your property portfolio remains compliant, here’s what we recommend:

• Review and update tenancy agreements to reflect periodic tenancies
• Plan annual rent reviews in line with the local market
• Conduct an EPC health check and make improvements where needed
• Understand your obligations under the PRS Ombudsman scheme
• Review your letting criteria to ensure there’s no indirect discrimination

Final Thoughts

The 2025 UK rental law changes may feel daunting, but with the right support, landlords can confidently navigate the transition. At 360 Properties, we’re here to help landlords across Aylesbury, Teesside, and beyond stay compliant, protect their income, and build positive tenant relationships.

If you’re unsure how these changes impact your properties, our expert team can help you future-proof your rental portfolio.