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The first week of a new year is a good time to pause, take stock and think about the future.
For landlords, one of the most important questions heading into 2026 is a familiar one.
“Is the rent on my property set at the right level?”
With the Renters’ Rights Act approaching and the cost of running a buy-to-let continuing to rise, setting your rent has become more complex.
It is no longer about following the market and hoping for the best. It requires balancing compliance, long-term sustainability and keeping good tenants in place.
Over the past few years, landlords have faced increasing pressure.
Mortgage rates, insurance, maintenance, licensing, and compliance-linked costs have all edged upwards.
At the same time, upcoming legislation is expected to reshape how and when rents can be reviewed.
That makes getting decisions right from the outset more important than ever.
So, how should landlords approach rent setting in 2026?
1. It is essential to understand the true market value of your property. That means looking beyond headline-grabbing rents (what you’d love) and focusing on achievable rents (what others have achieved). Other factors are demand levels and how quickly comparable homes are being let in your area. Overpricing can lead to longer void periods. Underpricing can leave you absorbing rising costs unnecessarily.
2. Condition matters more than ever. Well-maintained and energy-efficient homes tend to attract stronger demand and more stable tenancies. Rent levels should reflect not just location but also presentation, specification, and how the property compares to others available locally.
3. Timing and communication are crucial. With legislative changes ahead, rent reviews need to be managed carefully and professionally. Tenants are far more likely to accept fair and well-explained adjustments than sudden or poorly justified increases that they feel have been ‘dumped on them.’
The above three things to consider are all where expert advice really matters.
A good local letting agent understands current legislation, upcoming reforms, and the realities of the local market.
That insight helps landlords set rents that are realistic, compliant, and sustainable.
If you are reviewing your rent in 2026, now is the right time to talk it through.
For clear, practical advice based on your property and the local rental market, contact us today.
We’re here to help.
