By Jayne Parton, Property Manager at Hunters Lichfield
2025 is shaping up to be another pivotal year for landlords. With the private rented sector under increasing scrutiny, the rules are evolving, and the expectations from tenants and regulators alike are rising. For landlords in Lichfield, staying compliant is no longer just about ticking boxes — it’s about protecting your property, avoiding costly penalties, and securing reliable tenants who stay longer.
This guide sets out everything landlords in Lichfield need to know about compliance in 2025, from the essentials you can’t ignore to the new changes that may affect how you let your property.
Lichfield rental market snapshot: 2025
Before diving into the rules, it helps to understand the market context.
According to the latest figures:
- Average monthly rent in Lichfield: £1150 (Zoopla Rental Index, Q3 2025)
- Annual rent growth: 6.3%, slightly higher than the West Midlands average of 5.5%
- Average property price in Lichfield: £328,000 (Rightmove HPI, July 2025)
- Gross rental yields: typically between 4.1% and 5.2% depending on property type and location
Demand in Lichfield remains strong, driven by professional tenants commuting to Birmingham, families drawn to the area’s excellent schools, and retirees seeking lifestyle downsizing. This demand makes compliance even more important, as tenants are increasingly selective and informed.
The essentials: ongoing compliance responsibilities
Some landlord duties have been in place for years, but they remain the foundation of compliant letting in 2025.
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
- Annual check by a Gas Safe engineer required for every rental property with gas appliances
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Minimum rating of E to let a property legally
- Certificates valid for 10 years, but landlords should already be planning for tighter standards
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Required every 5 years
- Covers safety of fixed electrical installations
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Smoke alarm on every floor
- CO alarms in every room with a gas appliance
Deposit protection
- Deposits must be lodged with an approved scheme (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits)
- Prescribed information provided to tenants within 30 days
Right to Rent checks
- Landlords must check immigration status of all tenants
- Records must be retained
These are non-negotiable, and failing to comply can lead to fines, invalidate eviction notices, or put landlords at risk of legal action.
What’s new in 2025?
2025 is a year of change, and landlords must be aware of the updates shaping the sector.
Renters’ Reform Bill
- Section 21 “no fault” evictions are being abolished
- Section 8 grounds for possession expanded to balance landlord rights
- Tenancies moving to a single periodic model, replacing fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies
Energy efficiency roadmap
- The government’s original plan for a minimum EPC rating of C for new tenancies has been delayed, but landlords are still expected to prepare
- Tenants are increasingly prioritising energy-efficient homes due to rising energy costs
Licensing changes
- Selective licensing schemes are expanding in some local councils, including neighbouring boroughs
- Lichfield landlords must confirm whether their property falls under new licensing rules
Making Tax Digital (MTD)
- From April 2025, landlords with property income above £50,000 must submit quarterly digital tax updates to HMRC
- Approved accounting software is required
Building Safety Act rollouts
- Landlords of flats in higher-risk buildings now face additional responsibilities around fire safety and structural compliance
Lichfield landlord compliance checklist for 2025
Here’s a practical checklist to help you stay on top of your obligations:
Property safety
- EPC valid and rating E or higher (aim for C where possible)
- Annual Gas Safety Certificate completed
- EICR in date (within 5 years)
- Smoke and CO alarms fitted and tested
Tenancy management
- Deposits protected in approved scheme with prescribed information issued
- Right to Rent checks completed and recorded
- Tenancy agreements updated to reflect Renters’ Reform changes
Licensing & local authority rules
- Confirm if property requires a selective licence
- Meet HMO licensing requirements where applicable
Financial & tax responsibilities
- Mortgage terms reviewed and compliant with letting
- Landlord insurance in place covering relevant risks
- Accounting system MTD-ready if income exceeds thresholds
Risks of non-compliance
Non-compliance can have serious consequences for landlords:
- Financial penalties: up to £30,000 for licensing breaches; unlimited fines for serious safety failures
- Eviction issues: landlords cannot use Section 21 (while it still applies) if deposit rules are broken
- Tenant claims: tenants may seek compensation if regulations are breached
- Reputation damage: informed tenants are less likely to rent from landlords with poor compliance track records
Practical ways to stay ahead
Compliance can feel overwhelming, but practical steps can make it manageable:
- Digital reminders: use calendars or software to track renewal dates for certificates
- Work with accredited contractors: ensure all gas and electrical checks are carried out by qualified professionals
- Property inspections: mid-tenancy checks help spot maintenance or compliance issues early
- Professional management: Hunters Lichfield offers managed services to handle compliance on your behalf
- Stay informed: follow updates from gov.uk, NRLA, and Hunters landlord guides
Looking ahead beyond 2025
Landlords should prepare for further changes on the horizon:
- EPC minimum C rating: still expected later this decade, so energy upgrades should be planned now
- Selective licensing expansion: more councils are likely to introduce schemes
- Tax changes: further updates to landlord tax allowances are possible
- Tenant rights: reforms will continue to focus on long-term security and property standards
Conclusion
2025 is a year of both challenge and opportunity for landlords in Lichfield. By staying compliant, you not only avoid penalties but also build stronger tenant relationships, protect your property, and maintain healthy returns.
At Hunters Lichfield, we help landlords stay on top of compliance with expert guidance, managed services and regular updates.
- Request a free rental valuation
- Explore our landlord services
- Speak to our team for tailored compliance advice.
Staying compliant in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated — not when you have the right support behind you.
