Landlords are facing a series of challenges in 2026, with significant economic, legislative and market pressures looming according to Timberwise.

The first challenge is ‘Regulatory & Legal Upheaval’; the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force in May 2026 with Section 21 Evictions abolished and fixed-term tenancies will also be phased out. The Private Rented Sector Database will also be introduced.

The second challenge is ‘Rising Operating & Maintenance Costs’; the costs of vendors, materials, insurance and maintenance will likely continue to rise in the short term, while rent growth remains slow in comparison.

The third challenge is ‘Increased Demand for Property Care’; Awaab’s Law came into effect in October 2025, introducing statutory time limits for investigating and repairing damp and mould damage within a property. Standards were raised throughout the real estate industry to ensure rental properties were not just habitable, but also did not contribute to the health concerns of any tenants living in them.

The fourth challenge is ‘A Shift from Reactive to Preventative Maintenance’; Landlords will face new pressures in not only addressing faults as they arise, but also proactively inspecting their properties to remediate against potential future hazards. Neglecting a tenant’s concerns could lead to complaints, and if found valid and not remedied swiftly, could lead to legal liability or even fines under new enforcement powers.

The fifth challenge is ‘Tenant Quality, Screening, & Retention’; rising cases of rental fraud and affordability pressures from the current cost-of-living crisis make it more important than ever that potential tenants are screened effectively prior to signing tenancy agreements. Tenants will gain more security with the new tenancy laws, and it’s imperative to provide services that match the demands of the ideal tenant in 2026.