The property sector never stands still. As we approach the first quarter of the new year, landlords across the UK face a shifting landscape of regulations and expectations. To keep ahead, it is vital to understand the most pressing changes coming into focus. Three stand out: the Renters' Rights Bill, proposed changes to EPC requirements, and the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector.

Each of these carries potential implications for how properties are let, managed, and maintained. Landlords who stay informed and proactive will not only ensure compliance but also protect the long-term value of their portfolios. Below is a clear summary of each development and the practical steps landlords should be taking now.

The Renters' Rights Bill

The Renters' Rights Bill is one of the most significant proposed reforms to the private rented sector in recent years. Its aim is to rebalance the relationship between landlords and tenants, offering greater security for renters while maintaining fair conditions for property owners.

At the heart of the Bill is the plan to abolish Section 21 “no fault” evictions. If passed, this would mean landlords could no longer regain possession of a property without giving a valid reason, such as breaches of tenancy agreements or a decision to sell the property.

The Bill also seeks to introduce open-ended tenancies, providing tenants with more stability. Other areas under consideration include strengthening tenants’ rights to keep pets, improved redress mechanisms for complaints, and more transparency in rent reviews.

What landlords need to do now

• Review tenancy agreements: Check existing contracts and identify clauses that may be impacted by the proposed changes. Preparing to adjust terms in line with the Bill will save time later.

• Plan for legitimate possession grounds: If Section 21 is removed, landlords will need to rely on specific legal grounds to regain possession. Understanding these grounds and ensuring accurate record-keeping will be crucial.

• Strengthen communication channels: Clear, documented interactions with tenants will become even more important. Dispute resolution and compliance will depend on maintaining a well-structured paper trail.

For landlords, the key is not to wait until the legislation is enacted. Preparing tenancy processes now will make the eventual transition smoother and reduce the risk of disruption.

Proposed EPC Changes

Energy efficiency remains high on the government’s agenda, and landlords are under increasing pressure to raise the environmental performance of their properties. Currently, rental homes must achieve a minimum EPC rating of E. However, proposed changes would require new tenancies to reach a minimum of C, with all existing tenancies expected to comply by a future date.

Although the original timeline of 2025 for new lets and 2028 for existing lets has been under review, landlords should assume that the change will go ahead in some form. The direction of travel is clear: properties with poor energy efficiency will face restrictions on being let.

What landlords need to do now:

• Audit your portfolio: Identify properties that fall below a C rating and assess what improvements are required. Common upgrades include insulation, double glazing, and efficient heating systems.

• Budget for investment: Costs vary widely depending on property type. Forward planning for these expenses will help avoid sudden financial pressure if deadlines are confirmed.

• Explore available funding: Keep an eye on government schemes or local authority grants that may provide support for energy efficiency improvements.

Acting early has two clear advantages. Firstly, properties with higher EPC ratings tend to attract more tenants and achieve better rents. Secondly, landlords who spread improvement costs over time will avoid a last-minute rush and inflated prices for materials and labour.

The Decent Homes Standard

The Decent Homes Standard, already applied in the social housing sector, is set to be extended to the private rented sector. This move reflects the government’s commitment to improving conditions for all renters, regardless of who owns the property.

Under the Standard, a home must meet specific criteria: it must be free of serious hazards, kept in a good state of repair, provide modern facilities, and offer a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. Extending these requirements to the private sector will raise expectations for landlords.

What landlords need to do now

• Conduct condition surveys: Evaluate the state of each property to identify potential hazards, outdated facilities, or issues with heating and insulation.

• Address repairs proactively: Small maintenance issues, if left unchecked, could push a property below the required standard. Tackling these now prevents bigger problems later.

• Update property records: Evidence of compliance will be vital. Keeping thorough records of inspections, repairs, and upgrades will demonstrate that a property meets the Decent Homes Standard.

While many landlords already maintain high standards, the new rules will set a clear benchmark across the sector. Properties that fail to comply risk enforcement action, reputational damage, and the inability to continue letting.

We've shared a dedicated blog about why landlord compliance doesn't need to be difficult, which shares some key tips for making compliance straightforward and stress-free.

Bringing it All Together

Taken together, these three developments underline a clear message: landlords need to be more proactive than ever. Regulatory change is moving in the direction of stronger tenant rights, improved environmental performance, and higher property standards. This creates both challenges and opportunities.

The challenge lies in the administrative and financial burden of staying compliant. Landlords managing multiple properties, or those still relying on manual systems, may struggle to keep up with the pace of change. The opportunity lies in adopting smarter, more efficient approaches to property management that save time, reduce costs, and keep everything under control.

This is where togetha comes in. Our platform centralises essential property management tasks into one streamlined system. By adopting togetha, landlords can save up to 20 hours of administrative time every week and reduce existing management costs by as much as 50 per cent. That saving applies even if you do not currently use software, because the time you or your team spend on manual processes carries a real cost.

Book Your Demo Today

The coming months will be pivotal for landlords. Preparing for the Renters' Rights Bill, planning ahead for EPC changes, and ensuring compliance with the Decent Homes Standard all demand attention. Instead of treating each of these as a separate challenge, togetha gives you a single solution to manage them all.

Book a demo today and see how togetha can help you simplify compliance, improve efficiency, and secure the long-term success of your portfolio.