Tenant expectations in 2025 – What London landlords must deliver

Being a Buy-to-Let (BTL) investor or landlord in London can be a gateway to earning good rental income, due to the high rental demand in the UK capital with yields that can go as high as 6% or even higher. However, this does come with certain obligations and responsibilities.

While ongoing legislation takes its course to formalise the Renters’ Rights Bill into a law shortly, new and existing tenants are already aware of their rights and appreciate landlords who hold to the highest standards and meet their needs. So, what exactly are these tenant expectations, and how are they shaping up in 2025?

Quality and value for money

Rents in London can be expensive as the capital’s average monthly rent is nearly double the national average. Therefore, it’s no surprise that tenants who spend a significant portion of their income on rent expect to get quality and value for their money.

While luxury fittings and fixtures may not always be a demand, mould and damp are not something they will tolerate. Lights that work, doors that don’t creak, taps that don’t leak, paint that isn’t chipping, and good flooring are among the basics that tenants expect from their landlords.

Safety and legal compliance

Whether it is proper gas, water and electrical safety certificates or smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, it’s a legal responsibility for landlords to comply with the UK’s strict safety laws. Staying up to date with the government guidelines will help ensure proper compliance.

Maintaining high energy efficiency standards

A Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) of E or above is required to rent a property in the UK legally, most new-build properties in London have much superior energy ratings. Whether it’s using double or triple-glazed windows, energy-efficient boilers, smart thermostats and high-quality insulation, modern tenants are likely to appreciate these features.

Being flexible with furnishing and other needs

Tenants can have different types of needs and will prioritise landlords that offer flexibility and can adjust and move things around if required. From arranging complete furniture packs to modernising properties suited for contemporary living, landlords who take care of their property and maintain it well are more likely to find well-paying tenants sticking with them for longer. Many tenants are also pet parents, and accommodating furry friends is another bonus for many landlords.

Prompt reverts and swift action

Gone are the days when tenants would wait days for their landlord to fix a leaking roof or carry out essential repairs. In today’s digital day and age, tenants expect their landlords to be digitally savvy and respond to their grievances much sooner.

Having been in the lettings business for well over six decades, we understand that managing all these expectations is no easy feat and requires a hands-on approach right from the start. Therefore, Benham and Reeves offer a complete end-to-end lettings and property management service that takes care of all these and more.

Is it worth hiring a property manager in London?

Instructing a full-service property management and lettings agency in London can be a smart move for BTL investors looking for a hassle-free and seamless landlord experience. Right from managing the pre-tenancy requirements like verifying reliable tenants to safely collecting rents and deposits through a registered deposit scheme, conducting repairs, regular maintenance checks, and even furnishing, Benham and Reeves manages everything.

We have 21 branches across London with a team of expert professionals to help you with all your lettings and property needs. Even if sweeping legal changes are made to the responsibilities of a landlord, you do not have to worry, as we are always on top of things and can make the entire process easy. For more information on landlord obligations in London, you can check out our detailed lettings guide or contact us for support.