Solihull Landlord Checklist: How to Stay Compliant in 2025
Avoid penalties, protect your investment, and get ahead of upcoming legislation with this essential landlord guide.
Being a landlord in 2025 is not just about letting property, it’s about staying on top of an ever-growing list of legal responsibilities. With the Renters Rights’ Bill gaining traction and new regulations on their way, landlords in Solihull need to ensure they’re ahead of the curve to avoid fines and tenant disputes.
This detailed checklist breaks down the key compliance areas landlords must cover to remain fully legal and protected in 2025.
- Ensure All Safety Certificates Are Up to Date
Safety regulations continue to be one of the most scrutinised areas of landlord compliance, and with good reason. Failing to provide valid safety documents can result in penalties, eviction notice invalidation, or even criminal charges.
You must have:
- An up-to-date Gas Safety Certificate (renewed annually)
- A valid EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) completed every 5 years
- Smoke alarms on each floor and carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a fuel-burning appliance
All documents must be shared with the tenant at the start of each tenancy.
- Stay on Top of EPC Ratings
While the government has delayed enforcing a minimum EPC rating of C for rentals, the direction of travel is clear, and savvy landlords are already preparing.
As of 2025, you still need a minimum EPC rating of E to legally let a property, but upgrading to C could soon be mandatory, particularly for new tenancies. Retrofitting now may help avoid higher costs down the line.
Landlords should also be aware of:
- Government grants available for energy efficiency upgrades
- Local authority enforcement powers increasing in 2025
- Understand Your Responsibilities Under the Renters Rights’ Bill
Though still in parliamentary process, the Renters Rights’ Bill is expected to pass in some form by late 2025. The core proposals include:
- Abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
- Introduction of periodic tenancies by default
- New property portal and landlord registration system
Landlords should prepare by:
- Reviewing existing tenancy agreements
- Improving documentation processes
- Working with a managing agent to future-proof systems
Martin & Co Solihull offers landlord updates and full legislative support through our managed services.
- Deposit Protection Compliance
Every landlord must register tenant deposits with one of the three government-approved schemes:
- Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
- MyDeposits
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
You have 30 days from receiving the deposit to register it and send the prescribed information. Non-compliance can result in fines up to three times the deposit value and invalidate eviction proceedings.
- Local Licensing and HMO Rules
While Solihull does not operate borough-wide landlord licensing (yet), there is growing discussion around selective licensing in higher-density wards, particularly where there are higher complaints or housing pressures.
Landlords letting to three or more unrelated tenants must hold an HMO licence and meet stricter fire safety, amenities, and management standards.
Keep up to date with:
- Solihull Council’s licensing updates
- Changes to HMO space standards and occupancy rules
- Record Keeping and Right to Rent Checks
From 2025, increased digital compliance is expected to be part of the government’s landlord reforms. You must keep secure, dated records of:
- Safety certificates
- Deposit registration
- Right to Rent checks
- Repairs and maintenance logs
Right to Rent checks must now be done via the Home Office online system for non-UK nationals.
Bonus Tip: Use a Managing Agent to Simplify It All
Compliance is a full-time job, and many landlords now use managing agents to stay compliant, handle maintenance, and reduce risk. At Martin & Co Solihull, we offer fully managed lettings packages with built-in compliance monitoring, regular inspections, and legal cover.
Need a compliance review or letting support in Solihull?
Speak to our lettings team today for a no-obligation landlord consultation.
Book your appointment or call us directly.
