Renting a home should be a straightforward and fair experience, but many tenants are unsure about their rights, especially when it comes to security deposits, evictions, and rent increases. With ongoing changes in legislation, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. Whether you’re a new renter or a long-term tenant, understanding your rights in 2025 will help you feel more secure in your home and confident when dealing with landlords and letting agents.
Security Deposits: What You’re Entitled To
One of the most common concerns for tenants is what happens to their security deposit. Since the introduction of tenancy deposit protection laws under the Housing Act 2004, landlords in England and Wales must place deposits in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving them. These schemes—such as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), MyDeposits, and the Deposit Protection Service (DPS)—ensure that your money is safeguarded and returned to you at the end of your tenancy, provided you’ve met the terms of your rental agreement.
In 2025, the key rules surrounding deposits remain unchanged, but tenants should be aware of their rights in case of disputes. If you believe unfair deductions have been made, you have the right to challenge them through the scheme’s dispute resolution process, which is free and impartial. You should also receive full details of where your deposit is held, known as prescribed information, within 30 days of paying it. If your landlord fails to protect your deposit or doesn’t provide the necessary information, you may be entitled to compensation of up to three times the deposit amount.
To ensure a smooth return of your deposit, tenants should take precautions such as documenting the condition of the property when moving in, keeping records of any communication with their landlord, and ensuring that they meet the terms of their tenancy agreement—such as paying rent on time and maintaining the property responsibly.
Eviction Rights: Knowing When and How You Can Be Asked to Leave
Being asked to leave a rental property can be a stressful experience, but tenants have legal protections against unfair evictions. In recent years, the government has worked towards reforming eviction laws, aiming to make the process more transparent and fair.
As of 2025, landlords can still evict tenants using Section 21 or Section 8 notices, but significant changes may be on the horizon. Section 21, often referred to as the “no-fault eviction,” allows landlords to reclaim their property without providing a specific reason, as long as they give two months’ notice. However, under the proposed Renters Reform Bill, Section 21 is expected to be abolished, meaning landlords will only be able to evict tenants if they have a legitimate reason, such as rent arrears or breaches of the tenancy agreement.
If you receive an eviction notice, it’s crucial to check its validity. A Section 21 notice is only valid if:
- Your deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme.
- You were given the required tenancy documents, such as an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Gas Safety Certificate, and the How to Rent guide.
- The correct notice period has been followed.
Section 8 evictions, on the other hand, are used when a tenant has broken the terms of their lease—such as by failing to pay rent, causing damage, or engaging in anti-social behaviour. Unlike Section 21, a Section 8 eviction can be challenged in court if the tenant believes it is unfair.
If you find yourself facing eviction, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Organisations like Shelter and Citizens Advice can provide free support and help you understand your options. In some cases, eviction notices may be invalid, or tenants may be able to negotiate with their landlord for more time to find alternative accommodation.
Fair Rent Practices: Your Protections Against Unfair Rent Increases
Affordability is a growing concern for renters, with many tenants worried about rising rent costs. While landlords have the right to increase rent, they must follow legal procedures and ensure that increases are fair and justifiable.
For tenants on a fixed-term tenancy, rent cannot be increased during the fixed term unless a rent review clause is included in the agreement. In contrast, for those on a periodic tenancy (rolling contract), landlords can raise rent once per year but must provide at least one month’s notice for weekly or monthly tenants, or six months’ notice for yearly tenancies.
The proposed Renters Reform Bill aims to introduce stronger protections against excessive rent hikes, ensuring that any increases are reasonable and in line with local market rates. If a tenant believes a rent increase is unfair, they can challenge it through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), which will assess whether the new rent is appropriate based on similar properties in the area.
Tenants can also take steps to negotiate rent increases, particularly if they have been reliable tenants. Offering to sign a longer lease, demonstrating good maintenance of the property, or highlighting any unresolved maintenance issues may help in reaching a fair agreement with the landlord.
Final Thoughts
Tenant rights continue to evolve, with a growing focus on making renting fairer and more transparent. Whether it’s ensuring that your deposit is protected, understanding your eviction rights, or challenging unfair rent increases, staying informed is the best way to protect yourself as a renter.
At Fleming Lettings, we believe that tenants should feel secure and confident in their rental homes. If you have any questions about your rights or need support with a tenancy issue, our expert team is here to help. Get in touch with us today for professional advice and guidance on renting in 2025.
