In 2025, renters in the UK have more rights than ever before, and it’s crucial for tenants to understand not only the legal protections afforded to them but also how to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of landlord-tenant relations. Whether you’re renting in Glasgow, Paisley, or anywhere else in the UK, knowing your rights can help you live more securely, confidently, and safely in your home.
From understanding the legal obligations of landlords to keeping an eye on vital safety certificates like EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports) and PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) checks, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll also explore new legislation, smart tactics tenants can use to stand their ground, and how to spot when a landlord is failing to comply with the law.
1. The Foundations: Your Core Rights as a Tenant
Before delving into recent changes, it's worth revisiting the fundamental rights you have as a tenant in the UK:
The right to live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair
Protection from unfair eviction and unfair rent increases
The right to know who your landlord is
Protection from harassment and illegal eviction
The right to challenge excessively high charges
Under the Housing Act 1988 and later additions including the Deregulation Act 2015 and Renters Reform Bill, tenants have an increasing level of protection — but only if they know how to use it.
2. The Renters Reform Bill and New Legislation in 2025
2025 brings some of the most important updates in years for tenants. Here’s a breakdown of the new legislation that tenants must be aware of:
Abolition of Section 21 (No-Fault Evictions)
The long-awaited Renters Reform Bill is now in full effect. One of its most tenant-friendly changes is the abolition of Section 21 evictions. Landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason. This gives renters far more security and means that speaking up about poor conditions no longer risks eviction.
Rolling Tenancies Replacing Fixed-Term Tenancies
All tenancies are now periodic by default — meaning they roll on a monthly basis. This makes it easier for tenants to leave if conditions are poor or if rent increases unfairly, while still giving protection against sudden eviction.
Decent Homes Standard Applies to the Private Sector
Previously only required for social housing, the Decent Homes Standard now applies to private landlords. This means your landlord must:
Ensure the property is free from serious hazards
Provide adequate heating, insulation, and ventilation
Maintain kitchens and bathrooms to a reasonable standard
Landlord Database and Property Portal
Tenants can now check if their landlord is compliant by accessing a new national landlord database. If your landlord is not registered, this is a red flag and you should contact your local council.
3. Electrical Safety: EICR & PAT Testing — Your Safety, Your Right
Electrical safety is one area where tenants are often left in the dark, but it’s essential for your wellbeing — and the law is firmly on your side.
EICR: Electrical Installation Condition Reports
Landlords in Scotland (and across the UK) are legally required to carry out an EICR at least every five years — or sooner if recommended by the report. This report ensures the property’s electrical systems are safe and up to standard.
As a tenant, you can and should request a copy of the latest EICR. If your landlord refuses, they are breaching the law. Here’s what you need to know:
The report must be conducted by a qualified electrician
If hazards are found, remedial work must be done within 28 days or sooner if urgent
You should be given a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection
📍 Tip: If you’re renting in Glasgow, you can contact trusted firms like WES Electrical or Certificates 4 Landlords for advice or help checking EICR compliance, and if you ever need an emergency electrician in Glasgow get in touch with WES Electrical
PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)
Although not a strict legal requirement across all tenancies, PAT testing is considered best practice and is mandatory for HMO properties (Houses in Multiple Occupation). PAT testing ensures any electrical appliances provided by the landlord — such as kettles, fridges, or microwaves — are safe to use.
💡 Empowerment Tip: Ask your landlord if PAT testing has been carried out and request a record of it. Even if not legally required in your situation, it puts pressure on the landlord to ensure your safety.
4. Fire Safety: Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, and More
Landlords are legally obligated to:
Install a smoke alarm on every floor
Install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel appliance (e.g. wood-burning stove)
Check alarms are working on the day the tenancy starts
You should test these alarms regularly and report any faults immediately.
If your landlord fails to provide proper alarms, report them to the local council. They can be fined up to £5,000.
5. Energy Performance: EPCs and Your Utility Rights
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
Your landlord must provide an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) with a rating of E or above before renting the property. In 2025, tighter regulations are coming into force:
All new tenancies must now meet a minimum EPC rating of C
Existing tenancies must comply by 2028, but many landlords are upgrading now
🌡 Tenant Power Tip: A poor EPC rating affects your energy bills. If your rental fails to meet the new standard, you can report the landlord and potentially have them fined. You may also be able to negotiate a rent reduction or improvements.
6. Fighting Back: Tips and Tricks to Gain Leverage as a Tenant
Being a tenant doesn’t mean being powerless. Here are key ways to hold landlords accountable and take charge of your rights:
✅ Keep Everything in Writing
Always communicate via email or text to keep a paper trail
If issues arise (e.g. mould, faulty electrics), report in writing and photograph the problem
Set reasonable deadlines for repairs and quote legal obligations
✅ Use the Council as a Weapon
Local councils have Environmental Health Officers who can inspect your home and compel landlords to make improvements. They can also:
Issue improvement notices
Fine non-compliant landlords
Force landlords to carry out repairs
You don’t have to tell your landlord before reporting them.
✅ Join a Tenants’ Union
Organisations like Living Rent (Scotland) or Acorn (UK-wide) provide legal support, campaigning muscle, and public pressure. If you're facing eviction or harassment, they can help rally community action and media attention.
✅ Use Reviews and Public Records to Shame Rogue Landlords
Use Google, Trustpilot, and landlord rating websites to leave factual, calm reviews of your experience. You can also check the landlord database and see if they’re licensed.
✅ Demand the Certificates
Never be afraid to ask for:
EICR report
PAT testing certificates
EPC rating
Gas Safety Certificate (updated yearly)
HMO license (if applicable)
If they don’t provide it, that’s a warning sign — and possibly illegal.
7. Harassment and Illegal Eviction: What to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, rogue landlords still exist. Here’s what you need to know:
What Is Harassment?
Landlord harassment includes:
Turning up unannounced
Threatening eviction without legal process
Cutting off utilities
Refusing essential repairs to force you out
This is a criminal offence. Call police on 101 or contact your local council if this happens.
How Eviction Works Legally
Landlords must:
Serve a valid notice (Section 8 now, not Section 21)
Apply to court for possession
Receive a court order
Employ bailiffs if needed
Anything outside this is illegal eviction. Tenants can sue for damages — and rogue landlords may face prison.
8. Deposits and Inventories
Tenants have the right to:
Have their deposit protected in a government-approved scheme
Receive prescribed information within 30 days
Dispute unfair deductions at the end of the tenancy via independent arbitration
💥 Tip: Always do your own photo inventory on move-in day. Email it to yourself and your landlord so you have a timestamped record.
9. Moving In, Moving Out: Your Legal Toolkit
Before Moving In:
Request all certificates (EICR, EPC, Gas Safety)
Check tenancy agreement carefully
Ensure deposit will be protected
Do a full video/photo walkthrough
When Moving Out:
Clean and document everything
Request your deposit back promptly
Dispute any unfair deductions
Report unresolved repair issues for the next tenant’s sake
10. Landlord Fines and Enforcement: The Hidden Power You Hold
Most tenants don’t realise how many fines and penalties landlords can face if they ignore their duties. Here’s just a taste:
| Offence | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| No EICR | Up to £30,000 fine |
| No smoke/CO alarms | Up to £5,000 fine |
| No gas safety certificate | Unlimited fine & possible jail |
| Illegal eviction | Criminal offence & compensation |
| Non-compliance with improvement notice | £5,000–£30,000 fine |
🎯 Strategy: Use this knowledge to demand action. Quote the exact law and the fine in your emails to landlords. Most will respond swiftly.
Final Thoughts: Take Back the Power
The landscape in 2025 is finally tilting in favour of tenants — but only if you know how to use the system. Landlords are now under stricter scrutiny and harsher penalties. That means the more informed and assertive you are, the better your renting experience will be.
Know your rights.
Request the right certificates.
Use local councils and unions as your backup.
Keep everything documented.
Don’t be afraid to escalate.
Whether you’re in Glasgow’s West End, a Paisley flatshare, or anywhere in between, it’s time to stand your ground and expect better — because now, the law is on your side.
