The Renters' Rights Act 2025 represents the most significant update of the private rented sector in decades, aiming to raise housing standards and strengthen tenant protections. 

Existing Legal Requirements 

Before letting a residential property, landlords must meet a number of statutory requirements, including:

• The Housing Act 2004: Properties must meet minimum health and safety standards. 
• The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: landlords must maintain properties in good repair, including the structure, exterior, and key installations. 
• The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018: Homes must be free from serious hazards and are fit for occupation throughout the tenancy.
• The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015: Properties must have a minimum energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E or above (unless exempt). 

The government has confirmed plans for privately rented homes to meet a higher minimum standard, equivalent to EPC band C, by 1 October 2030. A revised EPC methodology has been in effect since June 2025. 

Awaab’s Law And The Decent Homes Standard 

Following the tragic death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, Awaab’s Law introduced legal duties for addressing damp and mould in social housing through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.  The Renters' Rights Act 2025 allows these requirements to be extended to the private rented sector, although no date has yet been set for this. 

The Act also allows a Decent Homes Standard to be applied to the private rented sector. This standard defines the minimum living conditions expected of residential properties meaning residential landlords will have additional obligations concerning safety and repair standards. 

When Are These Changes Happening?

The government has announced that the Decent Homes Standard will apply to privately rented homes from 2035. In October 2026 it also launched a consultation on how and when Awaab’s Law should apply to private tenancies. 

Damp and Mould

To support compliance landlords should:

• Read the official government guidance on damp and mould -Awaab’s Law: Guidance for social landlords - GOV.UK; and
• familiarise with the Decent Homes Standard which can be found here - A decent home: definition and guidance - GOV.UK.

Property has an extensive range of professionally drafted templates and documents for Damp and Mould in Dwellings. Landlords will also find a range of Residential Tenancy Compliance Documents to assist in overall compliance.