How landlords can prepare for 2026

19th December 2025

As we move into 2026, a number of important legal, regulatory and tax changes are set to reshape the private rental sector. Staying ahead of these developments gives you confidence, compliance and a competitive edge.

Here’s a roundup of the most important changes coming soon:

1. The Renters’ Rights Act

Landlords and property professionals alike are sick to death of hearing about the Renters’ Rights Act, but we cannot stress enough how important it is. Luckily for our landlords, our team are all over it and know the legislation inside and out. We are also speaking with our solicitors to ensure compliance every step of the way, as well as adapting our processes specifically for the student market to help you get the best out of your investment. This means not just a smooth transition, but turning it into an opportunity.

Key points landlords need to prepare for:

• No-fault evictions (Section 21) will be abolished from 1 May 2026, meaning you can no longer regain possession of a property without a legally valid reason.

• All new and existing fixed term tenancies will become periodic (rolling) tenancies, changing the way contracts operate.

• Possession grounds will still exist, such as when a landlord wants to sell, move in personally or due to tenant fault.

• A national Private Rented Sector (PRS) database will be introduced later in 2026. All landlords must register their properties and compliance documents.

• An Ombudsman scheme will offer tenants a free route for resolving disputes, and landlords will eventually need to be members.

These changes will require adjustments to agreement templates, compliance processes and communications with tenants.

We have already discussed our amendments with our current landlords, if you’d like to know how we’re changing the way we do things to get the most of your investment give us a call on 01273645797

2. Tax & Digital Record Changes

Landlords are being urged to adopt digital record-keeping before the new Renters’ Rights Act investigatory powers come into force. From late December 2025, local housing authorities will have enhanced powers to request documents and inspect records.

This means:

• Tenancy agreements

• Safety certificates (gas, electrical)

• EPCs

• Rent records

Should all be easily retrievable in a digital format.

Digital record-keeping will help you respond quickly to compliance checks and avoid penalties.

3. Energy Efficiency Rules

The government continues to move toward raising the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements for rental homes. While statutory deadlines and exact requirements are still being finalised, proposals include a move toward a minimum EPC C rating by 2030, with new EPC assessment standards expected to launch around 2026.

Landlords are already under pressure from industry bodies to prepare now, spread the cost of these changes out!

What to expect:

• New EPC system and metrics likely to be introduced

• Works may be required well before 2030 to meet future standards

• Grants and cost caps may apply in certain circumstances

Getting ahead with improvements such as insulation, double-glazing or heating upgrades now can protect rental income and compliance later.

4. Minor But Important Changes & Official Timelines

PRS Database Privacy Updates

The government has pledged to balance landlord privacy with tenant rights in the new PRS database setup. The specifics of what information will be published and what remains private are still being clarified.

House Price Outlook

Nationwide forecasts suggest UK house prices may rise 2‒4% in 2026, driven by improved affordability and modest interest rate easing, signalling stability for investors considering portfolio growth.

Far from being reasons to exit the market, these changes reward landlords who are proactive and informed. Our team is here to help you navigate these updates, protect your income and grow your portfolio confidently in 2026 and beyond.