Key Changes in Landlord Regulations Explained

Key Regulatory Changes UK Landlords Must Know Now

The private rented sector in England is undergoing one of its most significant regulatory overhauls in decades. As a landlord, it’s vital you’re aware of what’s coming, when key changes will take effect, and how to prepare. Below are the most important reforms you should keep on your radar.

1. Abolition of “no‑fault” evictions and move to periodic tenancies

The upcoming Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (formerly the Renters’ Reform Bill) will outlaw the use of the so‑called Section 21 “no‑fault” eviction used under fixed‑term assured shorthold tenancies. Bath and North East Somerset Council+3Squire Patton Boggs+3Lendlord+3 Instead, landlords will need to rely on clearly defined legal grounds such as rent arrears, anti‑social behaviour or sale of the property. Contracts will also increasingly move from fixed‑term ASTs to rolling (periodic) tenancies, giving tenants greater security and flexibility. Lawhive+2Lendlord+2 For you as a landlord that means reviewing your tenancy templates now, understanding the new grounds for possession, and updating processes ahead of the change.

2. Rent increase rules, bans on unfair practices and richer landlord obligations

The reform package brings in tighter controls on how and when you can raise rent. You’ll face limits on increasing rent only once per year (for many tenancies) and new rules about how you notify tenants and give them opportunity to challenge excessive rises. Owl Rent+1 Practices such as “rental bidding” (where prospective tenants offer more than the advertised rent) will be banned. Lawhive+1 In addition, landlords will need to ensure advertising and tenant‑selection procedures are transparent and legally compliant.

3. Property condition, energy efficiency and safety standards

A big theme in the reforms is raising the standard of private rented properties. The government plans to extend the “Decent Homes Standard” to the private rented sector, meaning homes must be safe, free of serious hazards (like serious damp or mould) and well‑maintained. Owl Rent+2Ashmore Residential+2 On top of that, significant changes are coming for energy efficiency: for example, one source reports that by December 2025 newly let properties may need a minimum EPC rating of C, and by 2028/2030 this will apply to all letting properties. Ashmore Residential+1 For you, the implication is clear: audit your properties now, plan for upgrades, keep strong records of maintenance and compliance.

4. Tax, acquisition costs and wider financial implications

Beyond tenancy law and property standards, many financial and tax changes are impacting landlords. For example, the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) threshold for buy‑to‑let and second‑home purchases has been reduced, and surcharges for additional properties increased. RSBC Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liabilities on second homes and investment properties have also increased. NRLA All this means you may need to re‑assess your investment strategy, cash‑flow modelling and portfolio risk in light of higher upfront acquisition costs and ongoing compliance costs.

5. Registration, oversight and enforcement

To ensure better transparency and enforcement in the private rented sector, the reforms anticipate a new national landlord/property database or portal, and a new private rented sector ombudsman. Lendlord Local authorities will have stronger enforcement powers, meaning non‑compliance could lead to higher fines or rent‑repayment orders. Fraser Bond+1 As a landlord you should begin organising your records: tenant info, property details, maintenance logs and documentation so you are ready for registration and potential inspection.

6. Implementation timeline and what you should do now

While the full changes are not all live yet, the timeline is clear enough to act proactively. The Renters’ Rights Act has received Royal Assent (October 2025) and many reforms are expected to start between 2025 and 2026. Wikipedia+1 For you, it means now is the time to prepare rather than wait.

What you should be doing now:

• Review your tenancy agreements and update or replace as needed for periodic tenancies.

• Audit your property portfolio for condition and energy compliance; budget for upgrades.

• Update your processes around rent reviews, tenant notifications and documentation.

• Begin gathering and organising property and tenant records ahead of registration.

• Review your financial model: acquisition, maintenance, compliance and tax costs.

• Keep abreast of guidance from landlords’ bodies like National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and monitor announcements from Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).

Final thoughts

These regulatory changes signal a new era for the private rented sector. They place greater obligations on landlords, but also create opportunities for those who act early, keep high standards and manage risk proactively. By preparing now, you can protect your investment, maintain compliance and be well‑positioned in a more professional rental market. If you’d like assistance reviewing your agreements, auditing your portfolio or creating landlord‑compliance checklists, let’s talk and ensure you stay ahead.