Jan 25 News

2025 is set to be a landmark year for the Private Rented Sector (PRS).

Preparation will be key to ensuring that you not only survive, but thrive in the post-Renters' Rights Bill landscape. And at Abacus Homes, we're here to help you do that. 

Below, we'll touch on some key developments for the legislation, while checking in with the current state of the rental market, EPC ratings, and predictions for the year.  

All the best,

The Abacus Homes team

Next stage of the Renters' Rights Bill set for January 14th

The Renters' Rights Bill will enter the Report Stage later this month, meaning that it could become law as soon as Spring 2025. At this stage, it'll be debated in the Commons and amendments proposed in the Committee Stage will be considered. The Bill is set to:

• Abolish Section 21 no-fault evictions
• Convert all fixed-term ASTs into periodic tenancies, which will make Section 8 the main way to evict tenants
• Limit rent increases to once per year via Section 13

If you haven't thought about the Renters' Rights Bill yet, or you have any questions, please reach out to the Abacus Homes team. 

Private Rented Sector experts make intriguing 2025 predictions for landlords

Industry experts have already set out their stalls ahead of a huge year for landlords and other PRS stakeholders.

CEO of PropTech platform, Goodlord, William Reeve said: “With the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill, bidding wars will be outlawed, meaning asking prices are likely to be set that bit higher. Likewise, the new compliance requirements landlords must meet will also drive up costs, some of which could be passed on to tenants. And as we’ve seen throughout recent years, demand continues to outstrip supply across the rental market.”

The company's Director of Landlord Experience, Emily Popple, added: "While some landlords may decide to exit the sector in 2025, those who remain will need to adapt to change. I predict landlords who approach property management professionally will seize the opportunities the Bill creates. These landlords will likely grow their portfolios with most seeking agents who can help them navigate the opportunities and changing landscape."

Did you know this about how EPC ratings are calculated?

In a recent article, Landlord Today revealed some easy wins when it comes to EPC compliance. This advice could help you raise your rating to C, in line with the Government's tightening of the legislation.

Because a numerical points system marked out of 100 underlies EPC ratings, you can prioritise the improvements that garner the most points. Adding a condensing gas boiler to your property, for example, gets you 23 points, which could take you from a middling E rating to a low C rating. Solar panels, roof insulation and wall insulation are other big ticket items which could drastically improve your rating.