Renting a home in London has always been a hot topic — high demand, steep prices, and evolving regulations make it one of the most dynamic rental markets in the world. As of 2025, the landscape has shifted even further, especially with key legal changes designed to provide greater security and transparency for tenants.
Whether you're a first-time renter or a seasoned London resident, here are the top 2025 updates to your rights and protections that you absolutely should know about.
1. Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Evictions Are Officially Gone
One of the biggest headlines this year: Section 21 evictions have been abolished in England.
Previously, landlords could evict tenants at the end of their tenancy agreement without needing to provide a reason. This created widespread instability for renters, particularly in London’s fast-moving market.
What this means for you:
- Landlords must now provide a valid reason to evict (such as property sale or tenant breach).
- You can stay longer in your home without fear of sudden displacement.
- More predictable renting, especially for families and vulnerable tenants.
2. All Tenancies Are Now “Periodic by Default”
Gone are the days of automatic fixed-term tenancies. Starting in 2025, all new tenancy agreements in England are now periodic, meaning they roll from month to month with no defined end date.
Benefits for renters:
- More flexibility to leave with proper notice (usually 2 months).
- Avoid long-term lock-ins, especially if circumstances change (job, family, etc.).
- Reduced risk of being forced out by a fixed contract ending.
3. Stronger Rules on Maintenance and Repairs
The government is cracking down on substandard rental properties. New standards mean landlords must resolve maintenance issues faster or face fines and sanctions.
Key changes:
- Local councils have more power to inspect and enforce.
- New minimum housing standards were introduced across all private rentals.
- Tenants can report unresolved issues more easily through government portals.
4. Rent Increase Limits and Transparency
London renters have often faced unpredictable rent hikes. In 2025, new rules require landlords to:
- Provide at least 2 months' notice for any rent increase.
- Justify the increase based on market rates and property condition.
- Allow disputes to be referred to the First-tier Tribunal, which can reduce the rent if deemed unfair.
5. Mandatory Property Registration
To improve oversight, all landlords must now register their rental properties in a national database. This helps renters verify that:
- The landlord is legitimate.
- The property meets legal standards.
- You have access to complaint procedures if things go wrong.
You can search a property's status via the UK Property Portal launched in early 2025.
Bonus: Protections Against Rogue Landlords
The updated laws introduce a "three-strike rule":
- Landlords with multiple offences (e.g., unlawful evictions, unsafe housing, harassment) can be banned from letting properties.
- Tenants can report misconduct anonymously and track enforcement actions.
These 2025 updates mark a major shift toward a fairer, more stable renting experience in London. While landlords still have rights, the emphasis is now on ensuring renters aren’t left vulnerable in an increasingly competitive housing market.
If you're currently renting or looking to move, make sure you’re informed — and don’t be afraid to assert your rights.
