10 Landlord tips for 2025

Being a landlord in 2025 means more than just collecting rent. With tightening regulations, changing tenant expectations, and rising costs, it’s never been more important to get your house (or flat) in order. Whether you’re new to letting or a seasoned portfolio landlord, here’s your essential checklist for staying covered, compliant, and confident in 2025.

1. Landlord Insurance

Standard home insurance won’t cover rental properties, which is why landlord insurance is a must. It typically includes:

• Buildings insurance (mandatory if you have a mortgage)
• Contents insurance (for furnished properties)
• Loss of rent cover (if the property becomes uninhabitable)
• Property owners’ liability insurance (in case a tenant or visitor is injured on your property)

Some policies now include rent guarantee insurance, which is worth considering in today’s uncertain rental market.

2. Gas Safety Certificate

If your property has a gas supply, you’re legally required to have all gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

You must provide a copy of the Gas Safety Record to tenants within 28 days of the check, or before they move in.

3. Electrical Safety Checks

As of April 2021, all rented properties in England must have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out every five years.

Failing to do this could result in fines of up to £30,000.

4. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

You must provide an EPC rated E or above when letting a property. However, new laws are expected to increase this requirement to a C rating by 2028 for existing tenancies, so it’s worth planning energy efficiency upgrades now.

5. Licensing (Not Just for HMOs Anymore)

Depending on your local authority, you may need one of the following:

• Mandatory licensing (for HMOs with 5 or more tenants)
• Additional licensing (for smaller HMOs)
• Selective licensing (even for single-family lets in certain areas)

Tip: Always check with your local council as many are expanding their licensing schemes and enforcement.

6. Deposit Protection (Within 30 Days!)

All deposits must be placed in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receiving it.

You must also give tenants the Prescribed Information, including:

• Details of the scheme used
• How to get the deposit back
• What to do in case of a dispute

Missing this step can invalidate your ability to serve a Section 21 notice.

7. Pet Clauses and Insurance

Thanks to the growing demand for pet-friendly rentals (and potential law changes under the Renters Reform Bill), many landlords are now considering:

• Including fair pet clauses in tenancy agreements
• Requiring pet damage insurance, either taken out by the landlord or the tenant

Tip: Consider partnering with tenants to allow pets whilst protecting your property with either increased deposit caps (where legal) or specialist insurance add-ons.

8. Fire Safety Compliance

For all rental properties, you must:

• Install a smoke alarm on every floor
• Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with solid fuel-burning appliances
• Ensure all furniture meets fire safety regulations
• Provide clear escape routes

HMO landlords must also install fire doors, emergency lighting, and possibly wired-in alarms depending on local rules.

9. Legionella Risk Assessment

Although not widely discussed, landlords are responsible for managing the risk of legionella bacteria in water systems. This doesn’t always require professional testing, but you must show you’ve considered the risk and taken appropriate steps.

10. Right to Rent Checks

As part of immigration enforcement, landlords must verify that tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK. These checks must be done before the tenancy starts and kept on file.

Letting out a property in 2025 means staying up to date with a long and growing list of legal obligations and best practices. But ticking all the boxes doesn’t just keep you compliant, it gives you peace of mind.

Whether you are self-managing or using a letting agent, make sure you are covered on all fronts.