Landlords: 2026 is the Year to Stay Ahead Avoid disruption. Secure your income. Keep your property compliant.

2026 brings major changes for landlords. Whether you rent your property in the private rented sector, rent your property to the council or work through a guaranteed rent provider like Apex, you still have legal responsibilities and this year, there’s plenty to stay on top of.

Here’s a breakdown of what needs action now, what to watch, and what can wait.

✅ ACTION NOW

Renew your Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) EICRs must be renewed every five years. The original deadline for existing tenancies was 1 April 2021, meaning April 2026 is the renewal point for thousands of landlords. If yours is due, don’t leave it last minute. Apex can help arrange this as part of our onboarding or ongoing support, but the responsibility lies with you.

Get ready for the end of ASTs From 1 May 2026, Assured Shorthold Tenancies will no longer exist. All tenancies (new and existing) will become periodic by default. That means no more fixed terms, just rolling contracts, with tenants able to give two months’ notice at any point.

The Renters’ Rights Act also introduces:

• Bans on rental bidding

• New controls on rent increases and advance rent payments

• Mandatory government info sheets for tenants

Section 21 is going If you were planning to regain possession using Section 21, you must serve notice by 30 April 2026. After that, only Section 8 (with its specific grounds) will be available. If you’re unsure whether you still have that route available, speak to us.

⚠️ PLAN AHEAD

Making Tax Digital From 6 April 2026, landlords earning £50,000+ (combined rental and self-employed income) will need to follow new Making Tax Digital rules. That means keeping digital records and submitting quarterly returns. It doesn’t replace self-assessment - yet. Plan now to avoid scrambling later.

Track your EPC improvements You don’t need to hit EPC Band C until 1 October 2030. But any energy efficiency upgrades from October 2025 count toward the £10,000 cap in the Warm Homes Plan. Keep receipts, track improvements, and know what qualifies. If you rent your property to the council, this helps avoid surprises down the line.

🔴 LOW PRIORITY FOR NOW

PRS Database registration This is expected later in 2026 as part of the Renters’ Rights Act Phase 2. No confirmed date, no action required right now. We’ll flag when it matters.

Higher penalties and housing safety From 1 May 2026, maximum civil fines for housing standard breaches rise to £40,000. Broader safety reforms - like clearer rules around damp, mould, fire safety - are coming under the new Decent Homes Standard. But enforcement won’t start until 2035. Still, some rules (like mould response timeframes) will phase in earlier, so don’t ignore early guidance.

Need help staying compliant?

We support all our guaranteed rent landlords with documentation, inspection timelines, and onboarding. But certain legal responsibilities — like licensing, EICRs, and insurance — remain yours. That doesn’t mean you’re on your own. If you’re unsure what applies to your property, our team can walk you through the requirements and help you get prepared.

📧 propertyteam@apexhousingsolutions.co.uk📞 0203 0304 241