Landlord Regulations: What UK Landlords Must Know in 2025
Staying compliant with landlord regulations in the UK is essential – but with legislation constantly evolving, it can be difficult to keep up. Whether you’re an experienced landlord or just starting out with your first buy-to-let (BTL) property, understanding your legal responsibilities is key to protecting your investment and providing a safe home for tenants.
At Novellus Property Management, we take the stress out of compliance with our fully managed property services. But if you’re managing your own rental, here’s a clear breakdown of the most important landlord regulations in 2025.
Key Landlord Regulations You Need to Follow
🔧 1. Safety Standards
Gas Safety Certificate (GSR)
A qualified Gas Safe engineer must complete a gas safety check annually. You’re legally required to provide tenants with a valid Gas Safety Record.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Electrical safety inspections are required every five years. Landlords must provide a copy of the report to tenants.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Smoke alarms must be installed on every floor of your property. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in any room with a solid fuel appliance, like a log burner or coal fire.
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations
Any furniture or soft furnishings you provide must meet fire resistance standards and display the appropriate safety label.
Electrical Appliances
All electrical appliances must be safe to use. While Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) isn’t mandatory, annual testing is recommended to protect both tenants and landlords from liability.
💡 2. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Every rental property must have a valid EPC rated E or above, in line with MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards). EPCs last for 10 years but should be renewed sooner if improvements are made.
🏦 3. Deposit Protection
Most UK tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), requiring you to protect your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. At Novellus, we use the MyDeposits Protection Scheme.
🛂 4. Right to Rent Checks
Landlords in England are legally required to verify that their tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK. This involves checking ID documents and visas before signing any tenancy agreement.
📄 5. “How to Rent” Guide
Landlords must provide tenants with the latest version of the government’s official “How to Rent” checklist at the start of each new tenancy. This can be delivered by email or as a printed copy.
🏘️ 6. HMO Regulations
If you’re renting to three or more unrelated tenants who share kitchen or bathroom facilities, your property may be classified as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). HMO properties often require an additional licence and must meet stricter safety and space requirements. Always check with your local council to confirm licensing rules.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Landlord Legal Requirements?
The truth is, landlord regulations aren’t just complex — they’re constantly changing. Failing to comply can lead to heavy fines, legal disputes, or even being banned from renting property.
That’s why so many landlords across Manchester choose Novellus Property Management. With our fully managed and HMO management services we take care of everything – from up to date safety certificates to deposit protection – ensuring you stay compliant, on time and on budget.
✅ Let Us Handle Your Compliance
Contact us today to learn more about our property management services in Manchester – and let us take the pressure off staying compliant.
