As we look towards 2026, I find myself reflecting on the resilience and adaptability that define Britain’s landlords. For years, you’ve navigated shifting sands across regulation, taxation and economic uncertainty, yet you continue to provide homes for millions.
Next year will be pivotal in the evolution of the private rented sector and legislators must recognise the role you play in providing a home to one in five households. These are the areas that I believe will define the next 12 months.
The Renters’ Rights Act – Progress or Pitfall?
The Renters’ Rights Act, set to take effect in May, is being hailed as a watershed moment for tenants. But let’s be honest, for landlords, it’s a mixed bag. Abolishing Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, introducing periodic tenancies, and restricting rent changes mark significant changes for the sector.
But here’s the nuance the headlines miss – most landlords already provide good, safe homes. Government research consistently shows high tenant satisfaction and a dramatic improvement in standards over the past decade. The real anxiety isn’t about treating tenants fairly, it’s about whether the system will treat landlords fairly in return.
If implementation is sensible and support is forthcoming, the majority of landlords will adapt. But if the transition is botched, we risk driving good landlords out of the sector, reducing supply and pushing up rents for everyone.
What’s needed is clarity. Landlords deserve straightforward guidance, practical support and a regulatory environment that recognises their contribution. The sector cannot afford confusion or knee-jerk policies that undermine confidence and investment.
Net Zero ambitions clash with reality
I support the drive for greener, more energy-efficient homes, but let’s not pretend that retrofitting three million PRS properties to EPC band C by 2030 is a simple task. For many landlords, especially those with older or complex properties, the costs and logistics are daunting.
First of all, as the Government considers responses to its MEES consultation, it has to acknowledge that rushing through an impractical timetable is crazy and simply won’t work.
It must also respect that the sector needs practical support, not just targets. Financial products like refurb-to-let mortgages are a start, but we need more. Grants, clear guidance and a recognition that one size does not fit all.
Landlords want to do the right thing, but they shouldn’t be left to shoulder the burden alone. Government and industry must work together to ensure that the transition to net zero is achievable, affordable, and fair.
A spike in mortgage maturities
Approximately four out of 10 rental properties are mortgaged and the coming year will see a wave of mortgage maturities, with 1.8 million loans across the whole market, with £49 billion in buy-to-let alone.
For some, this is an opportunity to secure better rates and grow portfolios. For others, it’s a source of anxiety, especially as affordability rules tighten and rates remain volatile.
My advice? Be proactive. Engage with brokers early and explore your options. The market is shifting, but those who plan ahead will be best placed to thrive. Remortgaging is set to grow, and landlords who act early will have the widest choice and the best chance of securing favourable terms.
A call for confidence and respect
Landlords are too often painted as villains in the housing debate. That narrative is not just unfair; it’s untrue. The PRS underpins labour mobility, supports diverse communities, and fills gaps that other tenures cannot. Standards have risen, and the vast majority of landlords act responsibly.
As we enter 2026, I urge policymakers, lenders and industry bodies to work with landlords, not against them. Provide clarity, offer support and recognise the essential service you deliver.
We should be proud of the rental sector. With the right support and sensible regulation, landlords can continue to provide quality homes and help the market flourish. Let’s make 2026 a year of progress, not chaos.
Louisa Sedgwick is Managing Director of Mortgages, Paragon Bank
This article is taken from Landlord Today