TL;DR
The Renters Rights Act 2025 brings significant changes to the compliance landscape for HMO landlords in Bradford, Leeds, and Manchester. From stricter licensing requirements to new tenant protections, this blog explains the key changes and how Citywide Housing’s guaranteed rent scheme ensures your properties remain compliant while you receive consistent income.
What’s in This Article
Key Changes in HMO Compliance Under the Renters Rights Act
What Landlords Need to Do to Stay Compliant
How Citywide Housing Supports HMO Landlords with Compliance
FAQs
Next Steps for HMO Landlords
Key Changes in HMO Compliance Under the Renters Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a series of new compliance measures that HMO landlords must be aware of. Here are the key changes:
- HMO Licensing Changes
Expanded definition of HMOs: More properties, especially smaller HMOs, will now require licensing.
Local authorities will be enforcing stricter HMO regulations, ensuring that properties meet minimum safety and living standards.
- Health & Safety Regulations
Fire safety measures will become even stricter. Landlords must carry out regular fire risk assessments and ensure that properties have working smoke alarms, fire doors, and emergency exits.
Electrical safety inspections and gas safety checks will remain mandatory.
- Tenant Protections
End of Section 21 evictions means landlords cannot simply evict tenants without cause. The eviction process will require landlords to provide valid Section 8 grounds such as rent arrears or property damage.
Increased protections for tenants also mean landlords must be proactive in maintaining properties to prevent issues like damp, mould, and disrepair.
What Landlords Need to Do to Stay Compliant
To ensure full compliance with the Renters Rights Act, HMO landlords in Bradford, Leeds, and Manchester must take the following steps:
Review HMO Licensing Requirements: Ensure your properties meet local licensing requirements. If your property requires a license, make sure it is updated regularly.
Conduct Fire Risk Assessments: Carry out fire safety assessments and install necessary safety features such as fire doors, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting.
Ensure Regular Safety Inspections: Stay up-to-date with gas safety certificates, electrical safety inspections, and energy performance certificates (EPC).
Update Tenancy Agreements: Reflect new eviction rules and rent increase guidelines in your tenancy agreements.
Prepare for Rent Control: Plan ahead for future rent increases, knowing you will be limited to once per year, and that tenants have the right to challenge increases.
Example
A landlord in Leeds with a 5-bedroom HMO must ensure their property is licensed, the fire safety standards are met, and gas/electrical checks are up to date. They should also update their tenancy agreements to reflect the new eviction rules and the cap on rent increases.
How Citywide Housing Supports HMO Landlords with Compliance
Citywide Housing can help HMO landlords stay fully compliant under the Renters Rights Act with our Guaranteed Rent Scheme. Here’s how:
HMO Licensing: We handle the licensing process for your property and ensure it meets local standards.
Fire Safety & Health Checks: We manage all fire safety assessments, gas, and electrical inspections to ensure your property meets all safety standards.
Eviction Management: With our guaranteed rent scheme, you don’t need to worry about tenant disputes or evictions.
No Tenant Issues: We handle all tenant interactions, ensuring that you never have to worry about tenant complaints, arrears, or compliance issues.
Long-Term Leases: 3–5 year leases with guaranteed rent ensure that your income is stable and predictable.
By leasing your property to Citywide Housing, you’re guaranteed to meet all compliance requirements while enjoying hassle-free property management.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t comply with the new HMO rules?
Failure to comply with licensing and safety standards can result in fines, penalties, or the loss of your HMO license.
Can Citywide Housing handle compliance for me?
Yes! Citywide Housing manages all HMO licensing, safety checks, and tenant compliance for you.
Can I still increase the rent on my HMO under the new Renters Rights Act?
Rent increases are now capped at once per year and tenants can challenge increases that are above market rate.
Next Steps for HMO Landlords
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 brings new compliance requirements, but with Citywide Housing, you don’t need to worry. Let us handle compliance, repairs, and tenant management while you continue receiving consistent rent.
📞 Call 0113 323 0678 or visit citywidehousing.co.uk to get started with guaranteed rent and stress-free property management.