Buy-to-Let & Landlord News Round-Up | Oct 27, 2025

Policy & Regulation

• Renters’ Rights Bill passes final stage After years of debate, the Renters’ Rights Bill has cleared Parliament and is set to receive Royal Assent in the coming days. It marks the biggest shake-up to the private rented sector in decades.
• Key measures include:
  
  • Abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions
  • All new tenancies to become periodic (rolling) by default
  • Stricter limits on rent increases and rent bidding
  • New minimum housing standards and clearer repair duties
• The government will now set out the detailed rollout timetable, expected to phase in from 2026.
• Industry voices are urging landlords not to panic, but to prepare. That means checking tenancy records, updating advert templates, and ensuring property management systems are audit-ready.

• Awaab’s Law comes into force for social housing providers. From 27 October 2025, the first phase of Awaab’s Law becomes legally effective for all registered social-housing landlords in England. 
• Key requirements under this first phase:
  
  • Emergency hazards (for example, serious mould/damp issues) must be addressed “as soon as reasonably practicable” and within 24 hours of awareness. 
  • Significant hazards (including serious damp/mould) must be investigated within 10 working days of notification. 
  • After investigation, landlords must issue a written summary to the tenant within 3 working days. 
  • If the investigation confirms a significant hazard, remedial works must begin within 5 working days of concluding investigation, unless longer period is justified; if the work cannot be completed within required timeframe, suitable alternative accommodation must be offered. 

This first phase covers damp & mould hazards plus emergency repairs; broadening to other hazards (fire, excess cold/heat, structural faults etc) is planned in 2026 and 2027.

Market & Investment Trends

• Rental affordability pressure - Rightmove’s latest data shows advertised private rents in Great Britain now consume 44% of the average wage, up from 40% five years ago. Outside London the average monthly asking rent is now £1,385; in London £2,736, which probably feeds directly from…
• Rightmove also reports new rental listings in 2025 are only 1% higher than last year (the lowest level so far this year) and total available rental stock remains 23% below pre-pandemic levels.

What This Means for Landlords

• Prepare for a higher compliance bar: The Renters’ Rights Bill and Awaab’s Law both signal tighter oversight and faster response expectations, even for private landlords. Good documentation and audit trails will become essential.
• Professional standards will be rewarded: The gap widens between casual landlords and those with systems, policies, and clear records. Investors running well-structured operations are likely to gain market share as smaller, non-compliant players exit.
• Review tenancy and maintenance processes: Start updating tenancy templates, advertising copy, and internal response procedures now - especially around damp, mould, and repairs.
• Tenant relationships matter more than ever: With greater tenant rights and longer tenancies, retention and communication will play a bigger role in maintaining income stability.

📞 Contact your local Lettings Specialist to help prepare for any challenges ahead!