New Landlord Obligations Under the Renters’ Rights Bill: Compliance Checklist

The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 has reshaped the private rental landscape in England, placing greater responsibility on landlords to ensure transparency, fairness, and high living standards for tenants.

These reforms introduce several new duties that affect how landlords manage properties, handle paperwork, and interact with tenants.

This comprehensive guide outlines all landlord obligations in 2025 and provides a practical compliance checklist to help landlords stay on the right side of the law.

Understanding the New Landlord Duties

The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 aims to balance tenant protection with responsible property management. Landlords are now legally required to meet stricter standards of documentation, safety, and communication.

While the end of Section 21 evictions is the headline reform, equally significant are the new requirements relating to property condition, licensing, and tenant information.

Every landlord must now:

Provide tenants with prescribed documents before and during the tenancy.
Meet updated safety and property condition standards.
Register with any relevant local authority licensing scheme.
Maintain open-ended, rolling tenancy agreements compliant with the new law.
Follow transparent rent increase and eviction processes.

Failure to comply can lead to severe financial penalties, rent repayment orders, or even a ban on letting property.

What Documents Must I Provide Tenants Now?

Under the new landlord duties, documentation is more important than ever. The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 strengthens the list of mandatory documents landlords must provide to tenants at the start of the tenancy and throughout the tenancy.

Essential documents include:

Written Tenancy Agreement

All tenancies must now be open-ended and comply with the new format. Fixed-term tenancies have been abolished. The agreement must clearly set out:

Rent amount and payment schedule
Repair and maintenance obligations
Tenant and landlord rights
Notice procedures and grounds for possession

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Landlords must provide a valid EPC rated E or above (with future changes expected to require a C rating). Failure to provide this document can prevent lawful eviction and result in penalties.

Gas Safety Certificate

If the property has gas appliances, a valid Gas Safe certificate must be issued annually and supplied to the tenant before moving in.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Electrical safety inspections must be carried out every five years, with a copy given to the tenant.

Deposit Protection Information

If a deposit is taken, it must be protected in a government-approved scheme (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits). The “Prescribed Information” must be served within 30 days of receipt.

How to Rent Guide

The latest version of the government’s “How to Rent” guide must be provided at the start of every new tenancy.

Local Licensing or Registration Details

If the property falls under a selective, additional, or HMO licensing scheme, details of the licence or application must be shared with the tenant.

Record of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

From 2025, landlords must provide proof that alarms are installed and tested on the first day of tenancy.

These documents form the foundation of landlord compliance. Missing or incorrect paperwork can invalidate eviction notices or lead to enforcement action.

Are There New Licensing or Property Standards?

Yes. The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 strengthens the licensing framework and introduces a new Decent Homes Standard for the private rental sector, similar to the standard already used in social housing.

Key new standards include:

Decent Homes Standard for Private Rentals

Landlords must ensure all rented properties:

They are free from serious health and safety hazards.
They are kept in a reasonable state of repair.
Have modern facilities, adequate heating, and proper insulation.
Meet updated energy efficiency and damp-proofing criteria.

The goal is to eliminate substandard rental homes and improve quality across the sector. Local authorities may carry out inspections, and repeat offenders may be barred from letting property.

National Private Rented Sector Database

Every landlord must register on the government’s national database once it is launched. This record will track compliance history, licensing details, and any enforcement action. The database is designed to make the rental market more transparent for both tenants and authorities.

Expanded Local Licensing Powers

Local councils will have broader authority to impose selective or additional licensing. This means more landlords may need to apply for a licence even for single-let properties.

Licences typically require landlords to:

Submit property details and safety documents.
Demonstrate proper management procedures.
Pay a licensing fee.
Failure to apply for a licence when required is a criminal offence and may result in unlimited fines or rent-repayment orders.

What Penalties Apply for Non-Compliance?

The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 introduces stricter enforcement and heavier penalties for landlords who breach their obligations. Local authorities are given greater power to impose civil penalties without going to court.

Common penalties include:

Up to £30,000 civil penalty per offence.
Rent Repayment Orders, requiring landlords to refund up to 12 months’ rent.
Banning Orders for serious or repeat offenders.
Loss of possession rights, meaning landlords cannot evict if the required documents were not served.

Non-compliance with property safety rules such as missing gas or electrical certificates can also lead to prosecution or, in extreme cases, imprisonment.

The government’s stance is clear: responsible landlords will be supported, while non-compliant landlords will face vigorous enforcement.

How to Stay Compliant: Landlord Checklist 2025

To help landlords adapt to the new landlord duties, the following compliance checklist summarizes the main steps to stay legally protected and efficient in 2025:

Before Letting a Property:

Register on the National Private Rented Sector Database.
Apply for any required local authority licence.
Conduct a full property inspection to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
Obtain valid EPC, Gas Safety, and Electrical Safety certificates.
Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Prepare a compliant rolling tenancy agreement.

At the Start of Tenancy:

Protect any deposit within 30 days and provide the prescribed information.
Serve the latest “How to Rent” guide.
Provide all certificates and proof of safety checks.
Keep written records of all documents served and tenant acknowledgements.

During the Tenancy:

Carry out annual gas safety checks and 5-year electrical inspections.
Address repair and maintenance requests promptly.
Review rent periodically using lawful notice procedures.
Keep accurate records of rent payments and communication.

At Tenancy End or Eviction:

Use Section 8 grounds if possession is needed.
Provide evidence of compliance before applying for possession.
Return deposit promptly, less lawful deductions.

Following this checklist not only ensures legal compliance but also builds trust and professionalism with tenants.

Technology and Record-Keeping Under the New System

As rental regulations become more complex, landlords are encouraged to use digital property management systems to store documents, track compliance deadlines, and generate renewal reminders.

The government’s move toward a digital court process for possession cases also means landlords who maintain accurate online records will be at an advantage when disputes arise.

Using cloud-based storage for safety certificates, inspection photos, and communication logs will simplify compliance verification and reduce the risk of penalties.

Why Compliance Protects Your Investment

Complying with the landlord obligations 2025 is more than a legal requirement—it’s a business safeguard. Failing to meet these standards could result in fines, legal costs, or reputational damage. Conversely, compliant landlords benefit from:

Quicker possession proceedings in legitimate cases.
Fewer disputes and stronger tenant relationships.
Higher property values and lower vacancy rates.

The Renters’ Rights Bill aims to professionalize the rental market, rewarding those who operate transparently and responsibly.

Common Landlord Questions Answered

What documents must I provide tenants now?

Landlords must provide an EPC, gas and electrical safety certificates, deposit protection details, the “How to Rent” guide, proof of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and a compliant tenancy agreement.

Are there new licensing or property standards?

Yes. The Decent Homes Standard now applies to private rentals, and more landlords will need local licences. The national landlord database will also become mandatory.

What penalties apply for non-compliance?

Fines can reach £30,000 per offence, alongside rent repayment orders and potential banning orders for repeat breaches.

Read our top-read blogs:

Why Landlords Are Selling Up Urgently?

The Renters Reform Bill: A Step Backwards for Landlords and the Housing Market?

Defending a Claim for Unlawful Eviction

Need help now? Contact Landlord Advice UK today for tailored guidance and practical support to future-proof your rental business.