How the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Will Change Responsibilities for Self-Managing Landlords

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 marks one of the most substantial shifts in landlord–tenant legislation the UK has seen in over a decade. Designed to modernise the private rented sector, enhance tenant protections and improve property standards, the Act brings a wide set of changes that self-managing landlords must fully understand. Whether you let a single property or a growing portfolio, the new requirements demand higher compliance, clearer communication, and a more structured approach to tenancy management. This guide explains the core changes, dispels common misconceptions, and outlines what landlords need to do to remain compliant. Homeowners, tenants and even those working with estate agents in Canterbury or other local markets will also benefit from understanding how these reforms reshape the rental landscape.

Greater Transparency Requirements

Reality: The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces enhanced transparency obligations that go far beyond supplying a written tenancy agreement.

Under the Act, landlords must now provide tenants with a comprehensive “Property Information Pack” before signing a tenancy. This includes:

• Full compliance certificates (EPC, gas safety, electrical safety)
• A clear breakdown of rent, permitted fees, and deposit requirements
• Maintenance records for major appliances
• Details of insurance relevant to the tenant (e.g., buildings insurance limitations)
• A statement confirming any planned works or foreseeable disruptions

For self-managing landlords, this means more documentation, better record-keeping, and timely updates whenever circumstances change. Failing to supply complete and accurate information can invalidate key rights such as the ability to pursue arrears or regain possession later on.

Strengthened Maintenance and Repair Obligations

Reality: The Act introduces firmer deadlines and stricter accountability for landlords.

While the old model allowed landlords to complete repairs within a “reasonable time,” the new legislation defines specific timelines:

• Emergency repairs (e.g., heating failure, major leaks): 48 hours
• Non-urgent repairs: 14 days
• Structural or complex issues: A clearly scheduled repair plan must be provided within 7 days

If a landlord misses these deadlines without justified reasons, tenants may legally reduce rent until the issue is resolved. Importantly, self-managing landlords must ensure that contractors are available and that communications are properly logged. Many landlords who previously self-managed informally are now turning to professional support or seeking guidance from estate agents in Canterbury to maintain compliance with the more stringent requirements.

Tougher Rules on Possession and Evictions

Myth: “Section 21 is still a back-up option.”

Reality: The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 finalises the long-anticipated abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions.

With Section 21 removed, landlords now have to pursue possession through expanded and reinforced Section 8 grounds, such as:

• Serious rent arrears (three months or more)
• Proven anti-social behaviour
• Property damage
• Landlord intention to sell or move into the property (with mandatory evidence)

This shift places a greater administrative burden on self-managing landlords. Accurate record-keeping, evidence gathering, and communication logs are more essential than ever. Landlords will need to demonstrate compliance with all legal obligations before a possession claim is considered valid. This includes proving that the Property Information Pack was provided, all safety certificates are up to date, and repairs were completed within the required timeframe.

Rent Review and Rent Increase Regulations

Reality: Rent increases must now follow stricter rules designed to prevent unfair or sudden rises.

Under the Act:

• Any increase must be supported by evidence of local market rates.
• Tenants can challenge increases through the new Private Rental Tribunal, which has powers to freeze or reverse excessive increases.

For self-managing landlords, this means maintaining awareness of local rental trends and documenting the rationale behind rent adjustments. Those unfamiliar with market dynamics may rely more heavily on local property experts or compare pricing structures used by professional estate agents in Canterbury and other regions to ensure their increases align with current conditions.

New Obligations Around Accessibility and Modifications

Myth: “Tenants can’t make changes unless I agree.”

Reality: The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 gives tenants stronger rights to request reasonable modifications — particularly for accessibility.

Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse requests for:

• Handrails and grab bars
• Mobility adaptations that do not alter the structure
• Minor safety improvements
• Childproofing measures

For more substantial changes, landlords must provide written reasons for refusal and offer alternative solutions where possible. Importantly, tenants are responsible for restoring the property to its original condition unless both parties agree otherwise.

This new provision encourages more inclusive and accessible housing but also requires landlords to be more flexible and responsive to tenant needs.

Deposit Handling and Dispute Resolution

Myth: “The current deposit protection rules remain the same.”

Reality: The Act introduces tighter deposit processing rules and centralises dispute resolution.

Key changes include:

• Deposits must be protected within 14 days (previously 30).
• Landlords must provide proof of protection within the same timeframe.
• Failure to comply results in automatic penalties, including possible compensation of up to three times the deposit amount.
• All deposit disputes are now handled through a unified national resolution service, ensuring faster outcomes.

Self-managing landlords will need to adapt their admin processes to meet the new deadlines. Any delay—even by a few days—can significantly weaken a landlord’s legal position.

Increased Penalties and Enforcement

Reality: Local authorities have been granted greater enforcement powers and dedicated funding to ensure compliance.

Under the Act, councils can issue:

• On-the-spot fines for missing safety documents
• Penalties up to £30,000 for repeated breaches
• Rent repayment orders for tenants when landlords commit serious violations
• Prohibition orders preventing landlords from letting for fixed periods

With more funding allocated to enforcement teams, councils are expected to audit rental properties more frequently. For landlords who self-manage without a structured compliance system, this significantly increases the risk of accidental breaches.

Conclusion: A New Era for Self-Managing Landlords

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 ushers in a far more structured and regulated environment for the UK rental market. While many of the changes aim to improve fairness and property standards, they also increase the operational burden on landlords—particularly those who manage properties themselves.

Self-managing landlords will need to work more systematically, maintain thorough documentation, and respond promptly to maintenance issues, tenant requests, and compliance deadlines. For some, this will mean adjusting long-held habits; for others, it may signal a move toward using professional management services. Even seeking occasional guidance from experienced professionals—such as estate agents in Canterbury or other regional specialists—can help navigate the new regulatory landscape more confidently.

Ultimately, while the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 presents new challenges, it also creates opportunities for more stable, transparent and mutually respectful landlord–tenant relationships. By adapting early and understanding the practical implications of the Act, landlords can safeguard their investments while contributing to a more modern and fair rental market.