The start of a new year is always a natural time for landlords to take stock — but January 2026 is shaping up to be more important than most. With ongoing regulatory changes, rising expectations around compliance, and the Renters’ Rights Act moving closer to full implementation, this is the moment for landlords to make sure their properties and processes are fit for the year ahead.
Across Bridgwater, Taunton, Wellington, Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare, we’re already speaking to landlords who want clarity on what really needs reviewing now — and what can wait.
This blog sets out the key areas landlords should be checking as we head into 2026, and how a proactive approach now can save time, stress and money later.
1. Rent Levels and Market Positioning
January is one of the strongest months of the year for tenant demand, making it an ideal time to review whether your rent still reflects the current market.
Landlords should ask:
- Is my rent in line with similar local properties?
- Has demand increased in my area over the last 12–18 months?
- Am I under-renting without realising?
In many parts of Somerset — particularly where demand is driven by employment hubs such as Hinkley Point C, Musgrove Park Hospital and the Gravity site near Bridgwater — rents have remained resilient. A sensible, evidence-based review at the start of the year can help protect long-term returns.
2. Compliance and Documentation
As we move closer to 2026, compliance is no longer just about having the right certificates — it’s about having clear, accessible and well-documented records.
Landlords should review:
- EPC, Gas Safety and Electrical Safety documentation
- Right to Rent records
- Deposit paperwork and prescribed information
- Tenancy agreements and notices
- Evidence of inspections and maintenance
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, documentation will play a much bigger role in resolving disputes or regaining possession. January is the ideal time to check nothing has been overlooked.
3. Repairs, Maintenance and Awaab’s Law
Awaab’s Law and wider housing standards place greater emphasis on response times and recorded action, particularly around damp, mould and hazards.
Landlords should consider:
- How repairs are reported and logged
- How quickly contractors are instructed
- Whether actions are time-stamped and documented
- Whether patterns of repeat issues are being monitored
Self-managing landlords may find these expectations increasingly difficult to meet without structured systems in place.
4. Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act
While not all elements of the Renters’ Rights Act will come into force at once, January 2026 is the time to be prepared rather than reactive.
Key considerations include:
- The removal of Section 21 and reliance on Section 8 grounds
- Stronger tenant confidence to challenge decisions
- More formal rent review processes
- Increased importance of inspections, communication and record-keeping
- PRS registration and transparency requirements
Landlords who already operate professionally and proactively will be in a far stronger position once the legislation is fully embedded.
5. Is Your Management Approach Still Right?
With regulation increasing and timelines tightening, many landlords are reassessing whether their current approach still works.
January is a sensible time to ask:
- Do I have the time to manage this properly?
- Am I confident I’m always compliant?
- Would professional management reduce my risk?
- Could expert support actually protect my net return?
For some landlords, self-managing will remain the right choice. For others, professional management becomes less about convenience and more about risk management.
How We Support Landlords Moving Into 2026
At Andrew Lees Lettings and Gibbins Richards Lettings, we work with landlords across Somerset to help them stay compliant, organised and confident — especially as regulation evolves.
Our services include:
- Market-led rent reviews
- Full compliance checks and documentation
- Time-stamped repair and maintenance logging
- Regular inspections and reporting
- Tenant communication and issue resolution
- Ongoing guidance as legislation changes
January is often when landlords set the tone for the year ahead — and having the right systems and advice in place makes all the difference.
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Disclaimer
This blog has been researched and created by Andrew Lees Lettings & Gibbins Richards Lettings and is accurate at the time of publication. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, financial or professional advice. Landlords should seek independent advice where appropriate.
