Legal Changes in 2025: What Landlords & Tenants Need to Know

As of 2025, big reforms are underway for renting in England. The Renters’ Rights Bill and other legislation are changing the rules around evictions, rent, tenancy agreements, property standards, and more. Here are the main changes to watch, how they’ll affect landlords & tenants, and what letting agents like Sure2Let need to prepare for.

Major Changes & Impacts

1. Abolition of Section 21 “No-Fault” Evictions

   • Evictions without cause will be ditched. Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants simply using Section 21 notices. They must use one of the valid grounds under Section 8, such as serious rent arrears, breach of tenancy, or selling the property. 

   • Valid grounds are being updated. Some grounds (like landlord wanting to move in or purpose to sell) will have restrictions, e.g. needing longer notice, etc. 

2. Fixed-Term ASTs to Become Periodic Tenancies by Default

   • Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies will generally be replaced with rolling (periodic) tenancies. That means tenancies without a fixed end date, unless otherwise agreed. 

   • Tenants may have greater flexibility to leave with notice, landlords will need to be clear in their tenancy agreements about notice periods and grounds for eviction. 

3. Rent Increases & Notice Periods

   • Rent will only be allowed to increase once per year. Landlords must issue proper notice (often two months) using Section 13 notice. 

   • Tenants will have the right to challenge rents they believe are above market value at the First-Tier Tribunal. 

4. Capping Advance Rent & Upfront Costs

   • Landlords will be prohibited from requiring more than one month’s rent in advance once a tenancy has started. This is part of the upcoming changes under the Renters’ Rights Bill. 

5. Ban on Bidding Wars & Rent Advertising Rules

   • It will become illegal to ask for, encourage, or accept offers above the advertised rent. Properties must be listed with a clear rent and no bidding “over market rate.” 

6. Greater Protections Against Discrimination

   • Landlords will no longer be able to refuse tenants based on benefits receipt (or similar), or simply because they have children, subject to certain conditions. Pet requests must not be unreasonably refused. 

7. Stricter Property Standards & Mould / Safety Requirements

   • Laws like “Awaab’s Law”, originally for social housing, are being extended to the private rented sector, meaning landlords will face stricter obligations to address damp, mould, and other hazards in a timely manner. 

   • EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) standards are also being tightened. From 31 December 2025, new tenancies will require a minimum EPC rating of C (up from E). This is being phased in, with full compliance expected by later years. 

8. New Registration / Enforcement Requirements

   • Landlords will need to join a Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database. Local authorities will have powers to enforce legislation more strongly, and there will be financial penalties for breaches. 

   • Letting agents also will have to adjust practices, ensure all tenancy agreements are compliant, and keep up with prescribed clauses. 

What Letting Agents & Landlords Should Do Now

• Review current tenancy agreements: ensure they will comply with periodic tenancies, valid grounds for eviction, notice periods, and avoid fixed-term ASTs where prohibited.

• Check EPC ratings of your properties and schedule upgrades if needed to hit the new minimums.

• Update your lettings adverts and policies: ensure asking rent is clear; don’t allow bidding above advertised; revise pet policies to allow reasonable requests.

• Prepare for enforcement: make sure you are registered where required, aware of your local authority’s licensing or selective licensing areas, and ready to respond to mould/hazard complaints promptly.

• Communicate changes to tenants: clarity helps avoid disputes. Let tenants know about notice periods, rent increase policies, etc.

• Financial planning: with potential costs for upgrades (EPC, mould remediation, etc.), landlords need to budget accordingly.

What This Means for Tenants

• Stronger security of tenure: no arbitrary or no-fault evictions. 

• More predictable rent increases, with rights to challenge. 

• Less upfront cost moving in. One month in advance is the general maximum. 

• Tenants can expect homes to meet higher standards: less damp/mould, better energy efficiency, etc. 

Looking Ahead

Many of these changes are set to take effect in late 2025 or into 2026. Some are already being implemented; others depend on final parliamentary approval. It’s a transitional period, so staying informed is key.

Sure2Let’s Take

At Sure2Let, we’re already working to ensure all our managed properties and tenancy agreements are compliant with the above changes. We are:

• Reviewing and updating all tenancy contracts

• Checking EPC ratings and planning for necessary upgrades

• Training staff on new eviction grounds, notice periods, and tenant rights

• Ensuring clear communication with landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities

If you’re a landlord or tenant and want help understanding how these legal changes affect your property or contract, please get in touch with us. We can help you ensure your tenancies remain compliant, fair, and safe.