Being a landlord in London comes with a wide range of responsibilities. The legal landscape continues to evolve, and 2025 brings important updates and compliance requirements that all landlords must understand and follow. Whether you rent out a single property or manage a portfolio, staying compliant with the law is essential to protect your investment and avoid penalties. This includes being aware of health and safety inspections such as an Asbestos Survey London property owners may need, especially in older buildings.
In this blog, we will explore the key legal obligations London landlords must meet in 2025 and provide an easy-to-understand guide to help you stay on the right side of the law.
Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities
Right to Rent Checks
All landlords in London must carry out Right to Rent checks before renting out a property. This means verifying that every adult tenant has the legal right to live in the UK. You must ask tenants for original documents such as passports or biometric residence permits, and make copies for your records.
In 2025, digital Right to Rent checks remain valid for British and Irish citizens, which can simplify the process. For others, you may need to use the Home Office online checking service. Failing to carry out these checks correctly can result in fines or even criminal charges.
Gas Safety Certificates
A valid Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement for every rental property with gas appliances. This certificate must be renewed every 12 months by a qualified engineer listed on the Gas Safe register. You must provide a copy of the latest certificate to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
In 2025, there is an increased focus on ensuring gas appliances meet updated safety standards. It’s advisable to schedule checks well before expiry to avoid delays and remain compliant.
Electrical Safety Inspections
Electrical safety is another key compliance area. Landlords must ensure that the electrical installation in their property is safe and in good condition. Since 2020, all private rental properties must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and this rule will continue in 2025.
The EICR must be carried out by a qualified electrician every five years. A copy should be provided to your tenants and retained for future reference. If any remedial work is required, it must be completed within 28 days, and proof of completion must be documented.
Energy Performance Certificates
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required when renting out a property in London. The certificate rates the property’s energy efficiency from A to G, and landlords must achieve at least an E rating to legally let the property.
Looking ahead, there are plans to raise this minimum rating to a C for new tenancies, potentially as early as 2025 or shortly after. It is wise for landlords to begin making energy efficiency upgrades now to future-proof their properties and remain compliant.
Tenant Deposit Protection
Protecting Deposits in a Government Scheme
When you receive a deposit from your tenant, you are legally required to protect it in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. This must be done within 30 days of receiving the deposit. You must also provide the tenant with prescribed information about the scheme used.
Failure to comply can result in fines and the tenant could claim compensation. In 2025, the government is continuing to enforce this rule strictly, and deposit protection remains one of the most commonly breached obligations among landlords.
Licensing and Local Authority Rules
Mandatory and Additional Licensing
Certain properties in London require a licence to be legally rented out. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) always need a licence, but many borough councils also operate additional or selective licensing schemes for other types of rented homes.
In 2025, many London councils have introduced or renewed licensing schemes to improve housing standards. You must check with your local authority to see if your property requires a licence and apply accordingly. Operating without a licence can lead to heavy penalties and even rent repayment orders.
Fire Safety Compliance
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
All rental properties must have a smoke alarm on each floor and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance. In 2025, regulations now require carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in all rooms with gas boilers and gas fires as well.
Landlords must also ensure alarms are working at the start of each new tenancy. Tenants are responsible for ongoing maintenance, but landlords should still encourage regular testing for safety.
Fire Risk Assessments for HMOs
If you manage an HMO, you are required to conduct a fire risk assessment and take necessary precautions to protect tenants. This includes providing fire extinguishers, clearly marked escape routes, and ensuring all doors are fire-rated where necessary.
2025 regulations place greater emphasis on fire safety in shared properties, particularly in light of recent safety campaigns and incidents. Make sure your property meets all current fire regulations and keep documentation as proof.
Tenancy Agreements and Eviction Rules
Providing Written Agreements
While not always legally required, written tenancy agreements are highly recommended and often expected in London. They protect both landlord and tenant by clearly outlining the terms and responsibilities.
In 2025, the Renters’ Reform Bill is expected to be fully implemented, including the removal of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. This means landlords will need a valid reason to evict tenants and must follow the Section 8 process.
Understanding the new eviction rules is crucial, as failure to follow correct procedures can lead to delays and legal disputes.
Taxation and Record Keeping
Reporting Rental Income
Landlords must declare all rental income to HMRC and pay any tax due. In 2025, the Making Tax Digital scheme is expanding, and more landlords will be required to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates online.
Using accounting software or working with a tax advisor can help you stay on track and avoid penalties for late or incorrect submissions. Be sure to keep receipts and records of all expenses related to the rental property.
Pets, Discrimination, and Fair Practices
Allowing Pets in Rental Properties
Under new proposals in 2025, landlords may no longer be able to ban pets without a good reason. If you refuse a pet request, you may need to provide a valid explanation. This rule is intended to create a fairer renting system.
You can still require tenants to cover any pet-related damage or include extra clauses in the agreement, but blanket bans are being discouraged.
Avoiding Discrimination
It is illegal to discriminate against tenants based on race, religion, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics. This includes during advertising, selecting tenants, and throughout the tenancy.
Always treat prospective and current tenants fairly and in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Conclusion
Legal compliance as a landlord in London is more important than ever in 2025. With evolving rules around safety, energy standards, tenant rights, and taxation, it’s essential to stay informed and proactive. Following the correct procedures not only protects your property and income but also ensures a safe and fair living environment for your tenants.
Landlords who invest in legal compliance today will avoid fines, disputes, and the stress of reacting to problems later. Consider working with legal or property management professionals to help you keep up with these requirements and confidently manage your rental property.If you want to stay updated with posts like this, please follow us on Digi Magazine.
