What Should Landlords Be Thinking About Now?

Mon 10 Aug 2026

Quite a lot has already changed for landlords, and more new rules are on the way. Because of this, August is a good time to stop and take a proper look at your rental property. A short review now can save you stress, time, and money later on.

Below are the main things worth thinking about at the moment.

Give your rental property a mid-year check

Rather than waiting for problems to appear, it helps to go through your property in a calm and planned way. The table below shows the key areas to review and why each one matters.

What to check	Why it matters
Your tenancy papers	Make sure they reflect the changes brought in by the Renters' Rights Act, so your agreement is up to date.
Safety records	Gas, electrical, and other safety certificates should all be current and easy to find.
The EPC for each property	Check the energy rating now, as future rules may ask for improvements.
Fixed-rate mortgages	Note any deals that are close to ending, so you can plan ahead.
The new landlord database	Get ready for the rules of the planned landlord and property database.

Do your tenancy papers reflect the latest rules?

The Renters' Rights Act has brought in a number of changes for landlords and tenants. It is worth checking that your tenancy documents match these new rules, so that everything stays clear and legal for both sides.

Is all your safety paperwork current?

Safety comes first. Make sure your gas, electrical, and any other safety certificates are all in date. Keeping these up to date protects your tenants and helps you stay on the right side of the law. The government sets out what landlords must do to keep a property safe in its guide to landlord responsibilities.

What is the EPC position of each property?

An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, shows how energy efficient a property is. Rules in this area are expected to get stricter over time, so it is sensible to know each property's rating now. If a rating is low, you can start planning any improvements early, rather than rushing later. You can learn more on our page about the Energy Performance Certificate.

Are any fixed-rate mortgages about to end?

If you have a buy-to-let mortgage on a fixed rate, check when that deal runs out. Knowing this in advance gives you time to look at your options and avoid slipping onto a higher rate without meaning to.

Are you ready for the new landlord database?

A new landlord and property database is on the way. It is a good idea to get familiar with what it will ask for now, so that signing up feels simple when the time comes.

There is no need to rush

It is worth remembering that some of these changes are still only proposals and have not yet become law. So there is no need to make quick or worried decisions based on plans that could still change.

Even so, the general direction is clear. Being compliant, using professional management, and planning ahead are all becoming more and more important for landlords.

How Williams & Donovan can help

For our Fully Managed landlords, Williams & Donovan will stay ahead of these changes. Wherever it is within our control, we will make sure your property stays fully compliant, so you can relax knowing the details are handled.

If you would like a helping hand, our property management team is here to support you every step of the way.