With new legislation, rising costs, and increased tenant awareness, UK landlords in 2025 are searching online more than ever before for clarity on mould, rent increases, pets, repairs, and access rights.
1. Who Is Responsible for Mould in a Rental Property in 2025?
Mould is consistently in the top five landlord search queries in the UK.
As a landlord, you are responsible for mould when it is caused by:
• Structural issues
• Leaks (roof, plumbing, guttering)
• Rising damp
• Poor ventilation built into the property.
• Faulty heating systems
• Inadequate insulation
Tenants may be responsible when mould is caused by:
• Drying clothes indoors without ventilation
• Never opening windows
• Not using extractor fans
• Not heating the property at a basic level
Best practice for landlords
✔ Fix structural problems fast
✔ Install extractor fans with moisture sensors
✔ Provide clear tenant guidance
✔ Inspect properties regularly
✔ Document and photograph mould reports
2. Can Landlords Refuse Pets in 2025?
Another frequent query for landlords is “Can landlords still refuse pets?”
Yes — landlords can still refuse pets unless future legislation changes.
However, the government encourages pet-friendly renting, so landlords should have reasonable grounds for refusal.
As a landlord, if you DO allow pets
You can request:
• Pet clauses in the tenancy agreement
• Pet insurance (if voluntary)
• Professional cleaning at the end of tenancy
• Conditions on behaviour or number of pets
If you refuse pets, it is wise to give the tenant clear reasons and communicate in writing.
3. How Much Can Landlords Increase Rent in 2025?
One of the most common landlord questions in the UK remains: “How much can a landlord increase rent?”
For Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs):
• Rent can normally be increased once per year.
• Increases must be fair, reasonable, and in line with the local market.
• Tenants must receive proper written notice.
Notice period:
• Monthly/weekly tenancies: 1 month
• Yearly tenancies: 6 months
Rent increases must be done via:
• A rent review clause, or
• A Section 13 notice (England & Wales)
4. What Repairs Are Landlords Responsible For in 2025?
Every year there is an ever-increasing wonder as to:
“What repairs must a landlord fix?”
Your duty and expectation as a landlord is that you must repair:
• Boilers & heating systems
• Plumbing and drains
• Electrics
• Roofs, gutters, and exterior walls
• Windows and doors
• Damp and mould caused by property defects
• Gas appliances
• Fire safety equipment
• Communal areas in HMOs
Expected repair times
• Emergency: 24 hours
• Urgent: 3–7 days
• Routine: 14–28 days
5. Can Landlords Enter Without Permission?
Can you as a landlord walk in without notice? The answer here is no — landlords cannot enter without permission, except in emergencies like:
• Fire
• Serious water leak
• Gas leak
• Structural danger
For inspections or repairs
You must give at least 24 hours’ written notice and agree a time with the tenant.
6. Do Landlords Need to Provide Internet or White Goods?
This is a fast-growing UK landlord search topic.
Landlords must provide:
• Heating
• Hot water
• Safe electrics
• Fire & gas safety
• Smoke & CO alarms
Landlords DO NOT have to provide:
• Broadband
• Furniture
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Tumble dryer
White goods help properties on the market to find a tenant and ensure rent faster but they are not mandatory.
7. Can Tenants Decorate, Paint or Make Changes Without Permission?
Many landlords ask us questions such as: “Do tenants have to ask to paint walls?”
Yes, amongst painting walls tenants absolutely must have written permission to:
• Paint walls
• Drill holes
• Mount TVs
• Replace flooring
• Install blinds
• Change fixtures or fittings
Landlords have the right and may well ask tenants to return decor to original condition.
FAQ: UK Landlord Questions in 2025
1. Do landlords have to fix mould?
Yes — if mould is caused by the structure, damp, poor insulation, leaks, or inadequate ventilation.
2. Can landlords refuse pets?
Yes. Landlords can still refuse pets in 2025 unless their tenancy agreement or future legislation changes that position.
3. How much can a landlord increase rent UK 2025?
Landlords can raise rent once per year with proper notice, as long as the increase is fair and in line with local market rates.
4. Can a landlord enter without permission?
Only in emergencies. Otherwise, they must give 24 hours’ written notice and agree a time.
5. Who fixes boilers in a rental property?
The landlord is responsible for repairing or replacing faulty boilers.
6. Do landlords have to provide white goods?
No, but it helps attract tenants and reduce void periods.
7. Can tenants refuse access for repairs?
Tenants cannot unreasonably refuse access, but timings must be mutually agreed.
8. How often should landlords inspect properties?
Typically, once every 6 months, with proper notice.
9. Can tenants keep pets if the tenancy bans them?
No — unless the landlord grants permission in writing.
10. Are landlords responsible for condensation?
Only when linked to property defects or poor insulation. Tenant behaviour may be the cause otherwise.
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Compliant, Stay Profitable
Landlord responsibilities are changing fast in 2025, and understanding key topics like mould, rent increases, repairs, and tenant rights is essential for staying compliant and protecting your investment.
Author
Sourced
