The lettings landscape never stands still, and 2025 is proving to be another year of change for landlords. From energy efficiency rules to tenancy reform, the responsibilities of a buy-to-let landlord are more complex than ever. Getting compliance right is not just about avoiding fines — it’s about protecting your investment, maintaining good tenant relationships and securing long-term rental returns.
At Hunters Skipton, we work with landlords across Yorkshire and beyond. In this guide, we’ll walk through what’s new in 2025, what hasn’t changed, and the practical steps you can take to stay compliant this year.
The rental market backdrop in 2025
Before diving into compliance, it helps to understand the current market conditions.
According to the latest data from Rightmove and Zoopla:
- Average UK rent (Q2 2025): £1195, up 6% year-on-year
- Yorkshire & Humber average rent: £810, up 5.4% year-on-year
- Average UK house price: £285,000 (Rightmove HPI, July 2025)
- Skipton average house price: around £220,000, offering strong affordability compared to regional hubs
Demand remains strong, particularly in regional towns like Skipton, but compliance expectations have risen alongside tenant demand. This means landlords must ensure properties are legally sound to attract and retain good tenants.
Core compliance obligations for landlords
Many rules remain unchanged but remain crucial. Every landlord should have these basics in place:
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
- Must be renewed annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Must be rated at least E for rental properties
- Certificates last for 10 years
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Must be carried out every 5 years by a qualified electrician
- Covers the safety of all fixed electrical installations
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- At least one smoke alarm on each floor
- Carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel or gas appliances
Deposit protection
- All deposits must be held in a government-approved scheme (TDS, DPS or MyDeposits)
- Prescribed information must be shared with tenants within 30 days
Right to Rent checks
- Landlords must check that tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK
- Photographic ID and immigration status must be verified and recorded
Failing in any of these areas can result in fines, invalidated insurance, or even criminal liability.
What’s new or changed in 2025?
2025 has brought some important updates and ongoing reforms. Here are the key changes landlords need to know:
Energy efficiency expectations
- The government’s proposed EPC C minimum for new tenancies, originally expected in 2025, has been pushed back but remains under review.
- Tenants are increasingly prioritising energy-efficient homes due to high utility bills.
- Landlords are encouraged to start improving properties now to stay ahead.
Renters’ Reform Bill
- Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions are set to be abolished during 2025.
- Section 8 grounds for possession are being expanded to allow landlords to regain properties in reasonable circumstances.
- All tenancies are expected to move to a single periodic system, ending fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies.
Building Safety Act
- For landlords of flats in higher-risk buildings, additional responsibilities around fire safety and building structure have been rolled out.
Licensing changes
- Some councils across the UK, including parts of Yorkshire, have introduced new selective licensing schemes for rental properties.
- Landlords must check with their local authority if their property now requires a licence.
Making Tax Digital
- From April 2025, some landlords will need to submit digital quarterly updates to HMRC if income thresholds are met.
- This requires landlords to use approved accounting software or an agent to remain compliant.
Landlord compliance checklist for 2025
Here’s a practical checklist to work through this year:
Property & safety standards
- EPC certificate valid and rating E or above (aim for C where possible)
- Gas Safety Certificate in place and in date
- EICR valid within 5 years
- Smoke alarms fitted on every floor, CO alarms in relevant rooms
Tenant & tenancy management
- Deposits registered in an approved scheme
- Prescribed information provided within 30 days
- Right to Rent checks completed and documented
- Tenancy agreements updated to reflect changes under Renters’ Reform
Licensing & local rules
- Check for new selective or HMO licensing in your area
- Ensure licence fees are paid and records are up to date
Financial & tax responsibilities
- Review mortgage terms for compliance with letting
- Keep accurate income and expenditure records
- Ensure readiness for Making Tax Digital if income thresholds are met
- Review insurance to ensure landlord-specific cover
Risks of non-compliance
Failing to comply is not just a paperwork issue. Consequences can include:
- Fines: up to £30,000 for licensing breaches, unlimited for some safety failures
- Invalidated evictions: landlords cannot use Section 21 if deposit rules are broken
- Tenant claims: tenants can claim compensation for non-compliance
- Reputational damage: tenants are increasingly savvy about their rights
In a competitive rental market, a reputation for professionalism and compliance helps attract reliable tenants quickly.
Tips for staying compliant
- Stay organised: Use digital calendars or property management software to track certificate renewal dates.
- Work with professionals: Only use accredited Gas Safe engineers, electricians and contractors.
- Schedule inspections: Carry out mid-tenancy checks to spot issues early.
- Delegate where needed: A managed service through Hunters Skipton can remove the hassle of staying on top of compliance.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from trusted sources like gov.uk, NRLA and Hunters’ own landlord guides.
What’s on the horizon beyond 2025?
Landlords should also keep an eye on upcoming changes:
- EPC minimum C rating: although delayed, it’s likely to come into force later this decade.
- Nationwide selective licensing: more councils may adopt local schemes.
- Further tax changes: ongoing adjustments to mortgage interest relief and allowances.
- Continued rental reform: implementation of periodic tenancy structures and strengthened tenant rights.
Conclusion
2025 is another pivotal year for landlord compliance. With new regulations being phased in and existing obligations remaining in place, staying on top of the rules has never been more important. Compliance is not just about avoiding penalties — it’s about building trust, securing long-term tenancies, and protecting your property investment.
At Hunters Skipton, we help landlords navigate compliance confidently. From free rental valuations to fully managed services, our local expertise ensures your property is safe, compliant and attractive to tenants.
- Request a free rental valuation
- Learn more about our landlord services
- Speak to our lettings team today for tailored compliance advice.
Staying compliant in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated — not when you have the right team by your side.
