With the new year now upon us there’s no better time for landlords to start preparing for the wide-ranging legislation change on the cards for 2025.
From the Renters’ Rights Bill to movement on new energy efficiency targets, the next 12 months are set to introduce the biggest changes to the way the sector operates in a generation.
The good news is the NRLA has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to help shape the new rules and to support you as they are introduced, offering everything from bespoke, one-to-one advice via our landlord support team to award-winning training courses and all your essential documents and guides.
Four key updates you need to be ready for in 2025
The biggest change we will see in 2025 is the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill, set to be introduced by the summer.
The Bill will, which is set to have its third reading in the new year will:
• Abolish Section 21 notices
• Abolish fixed term tenancies
• Limit in-tenancy rent increases
• Introduce a new Decent Homes Standard
• Create a digital Private Rented Sector database and a new ombudsman service
• Ban rental bidding wars and end discrimination against families and benefit recipients
• Expand the use of Rent Repayment Orders
You can find out more about our Renters’ Rights campaigns work on out exclusive members hub here, with an exclusive programme of member webinars to continue in the new year.
Our brand new Renters’ Rights Bill training course also launches February 2025, to help landlords get on the front foot when it comes to preparing for change. A number of dates have already sold out, with new ones added to cope with huge demand.
The policy team is also working on a comprehensive suite of documents including new tenancy and guarantor agreements, along with a host of other paperwork that will be required when the Bill comes into force. Keep an eye on our website for more details.
The Government launched a consultation on changes to the current EPC system earlier this month, including proposed changes to:
• The length of time EPCs remain valid [from 10 to as little as two years]
• How ratings are calculated
• Which properties require an EPC – with plans to expand current rules to include HMOs
This consultation closes in February. To read more and to have your say, click here.
The Government is also set to launch a consultation on tightening minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector – plans which would see all PRS homes requiring a C rating or higher to be legally let out.
While the document – originally promised by the end of 2024 – has yet to be published, the Government is on record as saying it wants to implement changes by 2030.
While time frames for EPC changes are not known at the moment, it’s fair to say these two consultations will be hugely important for landlords in 2025, insofar as confirming the Government’s direction of travel for energy efficiency in privately rented homes.
We will be providing formal responses to both consultations, making the case for changes that are fair, workable and affordable for landlords. You can read more about out key calls here.
We also have free guidance online for members around their energy efficiency responsibilities and also full details of grant funding available for landlords who need to pay for improvement works.
As of last month [December 2024], local authorities no longer need to seek Secretary of State approval when it comes to plans to introduce local licensing schemes.
Up until now, if a proposed scheme covered more than 20% of the PRS in a borough the Secretary of State had to approve it personally.
Now, this requirement has been abolished it will be much easier for councils to introduce schemes. This is despite the fact the proposed new national PRS database – being introduced under the Renters’ Rights Bill – should render licensing unnecessary.
We aim to respond to all local licensing consultations, representing members’ interests, and, with strength in numbers, we encourage landlords to do the same.
If you need help or advice when it comes to responding to licensing consultations, you can access our free toolkit here. An exclusive resource for our members, it is brimming with information on the different types of licensing schemes, and advice on how you can respond in your area.
Plus, using NRLA Licensing Support, you can easily see which areas are consulting on licensing, or if your rental property is in a designated licensing area.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require private landlords to ensure all electrical installations are inspected and tested at a maximum of five yearly intervals.
The rules were introduced on 1 June 2020, meaning the five-year period will be up in six months’ time. It you haven’t had them inspected again since then, you should check your dates to see whether a new one is needed.
Be warned, the anniversary could see a huge demand for contractors, so it is best to check sooner rather than later.
You can arrange your EICR in seconds using the NRLA’s compliance arm, Safe2. Simply order the certificate online, and Safe2 will connect you with a local electrician who can do the job.
You can also click here to understand more about your electrical safety responsibilities as a landlord.
More information
As we enter 2025 there really is no better time to join the NRLA. With a raft of changes up ahead we are here to represent and support you every step of the way, as we continue in our bid to create a vibrant and robust rental sector that works for all.
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