Essential Changes Landlords Must Consider in 2026

If you are considering investing in your first property and becoming a landlord (or a landlady), now is probably the best time to find many rental units up for sale. Indeed, the Renters’ Rights Act, which is becoming effective on May 1, 2026, has convinced a lot of landlords to exit the rental property business. Does it mean rental homes are not going to be lucrative anymore? Absolutely not. But it means landlords need to be more considerate. 

So, if you are in the process of buying your first rental unit, here are some important considerations before you can welcome your first tenants. 

Awaab’s Law

This regulation came into force at the end of last year and may have already started the big landlord exit of 2025-2026 in the UK.

What does the law state? 

It is designed to speed up emergency hazard repairs in rental units. If tenants signal a damp problem, for instance, this will need to be investigated within a strict timeframe of 10 working days. There are also specific timeframes regarding summary provision and start of repairs. For absolute emergency repairs, action needs to be taken within 24 hours. 

Now, if you have purchased your first rental following the first exit wave around the Awaab’s Law timing, then chances are the previous landlords sold to avoid extensive repair costs. This means your unit may require extensive renovations before it can hit the market safely. This may be unpleasant but there are significant benefits to investing in crucial works, both in the kitchen and the bathroom area (as these are the most commonly affected rooms). 

EPC Ratings

While EPC rating regulations currently state that properties need to have a minimum E rating in 2026, things are going to change fast. By 2023, landlords are expected to meet tightened rules, as rental properties will then need to have a minimum C rating. It’s not just a case of getting a new certificate. Properties need to be upgraded to prevent energy waste. 

The problem is that switching from an E to a C rating is a significant gap, which is precisely why it’s meaningful to bring these considerations as part of a renovation project. This can enable you to prepare the terrain for a more energy-efficient property.

What are changes that need to happen to improve the EPC rating? 

• Better insulation levels
• Energy-efficient appliances
• Energy-efficient heating and water systems 
• Solar panels on the roof

There’s no denying that landlords are facing a high investment, but support is available to help landlords navigate this challenge. 

Pet-Friendly Rentals 

While landlords are not expected to accept pet requests without consideration, they can’t unreasonably reject them either. For many landlords, allowing pets can actually become advantageous, as tenants with pets are more likely to stay longer in the property and look after it. 

Most tenants would happily stay in the same house or flat for the entire life of their pets, so from a landlord’s perspective, accepting pets is a smart investment in your future. 

If you are in the process of buying your first rental property, you need to be ready to make some changes to the property and the way the previous landlord used to let it. But, while these changes are necessary and require an upfront payment, in many ways, they are also crucial to preserve the value of your investment.