A property care expert says landlords face five major challenges in 2026.
“2026 could be the most challenging year for UK landlords in a generation and those who act now, not later, stand to protect their portfolios, their profits and their peace of mind. Landlords are being urged to book property health checks and compliance surveys … because once these new laws kick in, there may be no turning back” explains George Edwards of Timberwise.
Major Legal Overhaul And You Could Be Caught Out – The biggest shake-up comes from the new Renters Rights Act, set to roll out in 2026 — and it will fundamentally change the rules for how landlords operate. No-fault evictions, technically known as Section 21, will be abolished, meaning tenants can’t simply be removed without a valid cause. Instead, tenancies become rolling agreements, giving tenants unprecedented flexibility.
Rent increases will be capped at once per year and must match local market rates — a blow for landlords used to quick rent hikes. On top of this, the government plans to launch a Private Rented Sector Database, which will publicly list landlords and their legal compliance history, raising accountability to new levels.
Running Your Properties Will Cost More A Lot More – Rising maintenance and operating costs are expected to bite landlords hard in 2026. Materials, labour and insurance premiums continue to rise, while rental incomes stay sluggish — especially given new limits on rent increases. One recent tax change even raised the amount landlords pay on rental income, squeezing margins further.
That means budgeting and forward planning will be essential, with experts recommending that landlords address property issues before they become expensive emergencies.
Damp, Mould and Safety Standards Are Under the Spotlight – New laws such as Awaab’s Law — already in force in the social rental sector since October — are putting a legal spotlight on property conditions. Landlords are now required to investigate and fix mould and damp within strict timeframes, or face legal action. Combined with the Renters Rights Act’s focus on minimum housing standards, this means every landlord needs a proactive plan for property care, from damp-proofing to ventilation and condensation control.
Preventative Maintenance Becomes Non-Negotiable – In the past, some landlords could get away with fixing issues ‘after the fact’ – but not anymore. Experts say landlords must shift from reactive repairs to preventative maintenance, physically inspecting properties regularly, booking annual checks, and ensuring systems are in place to stop problems before they start.
Finding and Keeping Good Tenants Will Be Tougher Than Ever – Finally, with tenants gaining more rights and flexibility, landlords face a new challenge: screening and retaining desirable tenants. With tenancies now easy to end with just two months’ notice, landlords can no longer rely on long-term stays unless properties are well-maintained and compliant. This could make the difference between a profitable investment and an empty property sitting on expensive bills.
This article is taken from Landlord Today