Home rentals are booming – but so are the rules that come with them. In 2025, being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent and fixing leaky taps.
Interestingly, latest data from the Office for National Statistics reported that private rents in the UK rose by 7.4% in the year up to April 2025, reaching £1,335. This is one of the largest yearly increases in recent years.
With ever-tightening compliance regulations and sharper tenant expectations, landlords need to look beyond the obvious.
That expensive new kitchen or fresh coat of paint might wow viewers, but what about the parts of your property you don’t see?
We, at Allen Clarke Property Management, help landlords stay compliant by managing repairs, safety inspections, and tenant satisfaction all in one place. These necessary checks can affect your property’s legal status and your reputation.
So, let’s talk about the bits that often get missed. These five hidden hazards could turn your rental into a liability if left unchecked. Keep reading!
Common Safety Risks Often Missed in Rental Homes
Here are the five common safety risks often missed in rental homes:
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Asbestos
You might think asbestos is old news, but it remains a concern today.
If your property was built before 2000, asbestos may still be present in walls, ceilings, or flooring. Professional assessment is key, especially before renovations. Advance Asbestos Removal Services offers licensed inspection and removal to ensure your property stays safe and compliant.
Many landlords wrongly believe asbestos is only found in old, abandoned buildings. In reality, it can be concealed under plaster, beneath linoleum flooring, or around pipes. Asbestos becomes hazardous only when disturbed, such as during a renovation. This means that drilling a hole or breaking a tile can release harmful fibres into the air.
Regular inspections by certified experts can give you true peace of mind and may be necessary if you’re renovating your property or changing tenants.
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Outdated Electrical Wiring
If your property still has an old fuse box that belongs in a museum, it may be time to renovate.
Worn or faulty wiring is one of the top causes of house fires in the UK. It can easily be missed if you do not regularly check your electrical systems. This is where an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) comes in. Since the previous five years, all rental properties in England have required a valid EICR, which must be updated every five years.
Recent data from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service found that faulty electrical systems – like old wiring, broken appliances, and overlooked sockets – caused around 6000 house fires in the UK. This illustrates how minor issues can escalate into major problems.
It is not just about following rules. Defective outlets, exposed wires, or even overloaded circuits are serious risks to the safety of residents. Additionally, if an accident occurs and your wiring has not been inspected, your insurance may not cover the resulting changes.
Even if everything seems to be working fine, don’t wait for a light switch to spark before you take action. Having a current EICR is not just about compliance – it’s a wise safety practice.
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Poor Insulation and Drafty Gaps
Energy standards are essential for both the environment and the rental status of your property.
In 2025, rental properties will be required to have a higher EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating. Plans are in place to raise this rating to a C in the coming years. This means that if your property has old windows, poor insulation, or drafty doors, it may not be comfortable for tenants and could result in financial losses for you.
Poor insulation makes it difficult for tenants to keep warm, leading to higher bills and complaints. New rules may even make it difficult to rent your property.
Check your loft insulation, cavity walls, and floorboards to see if heat is escaping. Make sure window gaps are sealed, and consider installing double glazing if you haven’t done so already. A small investment now can help you avoid bigger problems later on.
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Hidden Damp and Mould
Moisture can be hard to identify, especially when it hides along baseboards or behind furniture. However, when it appears, renters will notice it quickly.
Damo leads to mould, which can cause breathing problems, skin irritation, and serious health issues. Landlords often must address mould issues if they stem from structural problems or inadequate insulation.
Look for signs of moisture, such as musty smells, peeling paint, or stains on walls and ceilings. Check ventilation systems, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, to ensure they are functioning correctly. Empty properties are more likely to have these issues, so keep a close eye on them between rentals to prevent any potential problems.
Fixing dampness may not only require a dehumidifier. You might need better ventilation, improved insulation, or to check the roof for leaks. Don’t ignore it.
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Faulty Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
These small devices can save lives, but only if they work correctly.
In the UK, every rental property must have a working smoke alarm on each floor and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel-burning device, like a fireplace or log burner.
What many people forget? Testing. Property owners often install alarms but then fail to use them. Batteries can die, sensors can fail, and sometimes alarms can be removed or damaged by residents without anyone noticing.
In a shocking instance, a recent survey from a fastest-growing fire safety firm found that over 2 million renters in the UK do not have a smoke alarm. This clearly highlights that we cannot assume everyone is compliant with safety regulations, even today.
Set a reminder to check these alarms regularly, ideally during every inspection. It is quick, easy, and very important for safety. If you use a managing agent, make sure they include this in their routine inspections.
Conclusion
In 2025, landlords face more scrutiny than before. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The aim is to keep tenants safe, healthy, and comfortable, which also protects your investment.
Five hidden risks may not be immediately apparent, but ignoring them can result in costs that extend beyond fines. By planning and securing the proper support, you can maintain your property’s compliance and ensure tenant satisfaction.
Remember, hidden problems often create the biggest challenges. Don’t wait for a call from the council or, worse, an urgent issue from a tenant. A little planning now can save you time, money, and stress in the future.
