Renters’ Rights Act 2025: What Landlords and Letting Agents Need to Know About Pest Control

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is set to significantly reshape the private rental sector—and for landlords and letting agents, the impact goes well beyond tenancy agreements and eviction rules.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act

One area that’s often overlooked but increasingly important is pest control and property standards. With stronger enforcement and clearer tenant rights, how infestations are handled will need to change.

Here’s what you need to know—and how to stay compliant.

1. Reduced Flexibility Means Higher Maintenance Expectations

With the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions:

You can no longer rely on ending a tenancy to resolve ongoing disputes
Tenants have more confidence to report issues early and persistently

👉 In practice, this means more reported pest issues—and greater expectation that they are resolved quickly and properly.

2. Pest Control Is Moving From “Minor Issue” to Compliance Risk

Historically, pest problems have sometimes been treated as low-priority or tenant-related disputes.

That’s changing.

With stronger enforcement of housing standards and the expansion of Awaab’s Law:

Pest infestations are more likely to be treated as health hazards
Delays in responding could trigger formal complaints or enforcement action
Issues like rodents, cockroaches, and bedbugs may fall under time-bound repair expectations

👉 The key shift: pest control is becoming a compliance issue, not just a maintenance task.

3. Faster Response Times Will Be Expected

Although exact timelines will depend on final regulations, the direction is clear:

Landlords and agents will need to investigate issues promptly
Remedial action must be taken within reasonable (and potentially defined) timeframes

Failure to act could lead to:

Local authority involvement
Ombudsman complaints
Financial penalties or enforcement notices
4. Increased Accountability Through New Systems

The introduction of:

A national landlord database
A private rented sector ombudsman

…means complaints will be easier to track and escalate.

For letting agents, this adds:

Greater scrutiny over property management standards
Increased need for clear audit trails (reports, inspections, contractor actions)

👉 Poor handling of pest issues could now impact reputation, compliance status, and future lettings.

5. Responsibility Still Depends on Cause—But Scrutiny Will Increase

Legally, responsibility for pest control remains linked to the source of the problem:

Typically landlord responsibility:
Structural defects (e.g. entry points, damp, drainage issues)
Pre-existing infestations
Waste management design or shared areas
Potential tenant responsibility:
Hygiene-related causes
Improper waste storage

However, under the new regime:

Expect less tolerance for disputes or delays
Greater expectation to investigate thoroughly before attributing blame

👉 Defaulting responsibility to tenants without evidence may lead to challenge and escalation.

6. Operational Impact for Letting Agents

Letting agents will play a central role in compliance.

Key adjustments likely include:

More frequent property inspections
Faster coordination with pest control contractors
Improved record-keeping and communication logs
Clearer tenant guidance on reporting issues

Agents may also need to:

Advise landlords on preventative measures
Ensure properties meet baseline standards before marketing
7. Preventative Pest Control Will Become More Important

Reactive treatment alone may no longer be sufficient.

Landlords and agents should consider:

Sealing entry points and addressing structural vulnerabilities
Managing waste storage and communal areas
Scheduling periodic inspections in high-risk properties

👉 Preventative action is likely to be more cost-effective than dealing with escalated complaints or enforcement.

8. Financial and Business Implications
Increased costs:
Pest control services
Property upgrades and repairs
Compliance and administration
But also reduced risk:
Fewer prolonged disputes
Lower chance of enforcement action
Improved tenant satisfaction and retention
9. Key Takeaways
Pest control is becoming a regulated aspect of housing standards, not a grey area
Faster response times and better documentation will be essential
Letting agents will need to tighten management processes
Preventative maintenance will play a bigger role in compliance
Final Thoughts

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 signals a broader shift: from reactive property management to proactive, standards-driven compliance.

For landlords and letting agents, pest control sits right at the centre of that change.

Handled well, it’s an opportunity to:

Improve property quality
Strengthen tenant relationships
Reduce long-term risk

Handled poorly, it becomes a compliance liability with real financial and reputational consequences.