A practical guide to staying compliant, protecting your property, and creating stress-free tenancies
Being a landlord in 2026 isn’t what it was five or ten years ago.
The days of simply finding a tenant, collecting rent and hoping for the best are long gone.
With tighter legislation, stricter compliance rules, and higher expectations from tenants, today’s successful landlords are the ones who treat their property like a business — not a side project.
If you want consistent rent, fewer headaches, and long-term capital growth, staying compliant and proactive isn’t optional anymore — it’s essential.
At Jaks & Co, we work with landlords across Didsbury, Chorlton, South Manchester and Manchester City Centre every day, and we’re seeing one clear trend:
- The landlords who follow the rules and stay organised are thriving.
- The ones who cut corners are struggling.
Here’s how to stay ahead in 2026.
1. Compliance is no longer optional – it’s everything
Government regulation around rental properties continues to increase and penalties for getting it wrong are becoming more serious.
Every landlord must now ensure their property is fully compliant before a tenant moves in.
This includes:
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Valid EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
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Gas Safety Certificate
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Up-to-date EPC
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Smoke alarms on every floor
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Carbon monoxide alarms near boilers
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Deposit protection
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Right to Rent checks
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Prescribed information served correctly
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Legal tenancy agreements
Missing even one document can:
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Delay possession claims
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Invalidate notices
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Lead to fines or cost you thousands in legal fees
Successful landlords in 2026 treat compliance like a checklist, not an afterthought.
2. Provide a safe, well-maintained home
Tenants today expect more.
A safe, clean and well-presented property leads to:
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Better quality tenants
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Longer tenancies
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Fewer complaints
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Lower void periods
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Higher achievable rents
Small improvements make a big difference:
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Fresh paint
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Modern lighting
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Functional kitchens and bathrooms
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Fast repairs
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Professional cleaning between tenancies
Think long term.
Spending £1,000 on upgrades can often add £50–£100 per month in rent and attract stronger applicants.
3. Referencing is your first line of defence
One of the biggest mistakes self-managing landlords make is rushing tenant selection.
A poor tenant can cost:
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Months of unpaid rent
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Property damage
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Legal action
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Stress and time
Professional referencing should always include:
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Credit checks
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Employment verification
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Income affordability checks
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Previous landlord references
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Guarantor checks where needed
The goal isn’t just filling the property quickly, it’s placing the right tenant. The best landlords know that careful vetting saves far more money than it costs.
4. Stay updated with changing legislation
Rental laws are evolving fast.
With ongoing reforms such as:
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Rental sector changes
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Stronger tenant protections
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Increased safety requirements
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Potential updates to possession processes
It’s critical to stay informed.
If you’re managing the property yourself, regularly check:
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GOV.UK landlord guidance
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Local council updates
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Safety and compliance regulations
Or work with a letting agent who monitors this for you.
Because in today’s market, “I didn’t know” won’t protect you.
5. Treat your rental like a business
The most successful landlords in 2026 think commercially.
They track:
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Rental yields
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Maintenance costs
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Void periods
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Compliance dates
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Tenant performance
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Market rents
They plan ahead rather than reacting to problems.
And they build systems that save time and reduce risk.
Professional management isn’t a cost, it’s often an investment that protects your income and your asset.
6. Consider professional letting management
Managing a property yourself can seem cheaper but it often becomes expensive when:
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You miss legislation changes
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Tenants aren’t referenced correctly
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Maintenance is delayed
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Compliance paperwork is incomplete
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Rent collection becomes stressful
A good letting agent handles:
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Marketing
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Viewings
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Referencing
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Legal documents
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Compliance
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Maintenance coordination
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Rent collection
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Ongoing tenant communication
Giving you passive income instead of daily admin.
Final thoughts: What does a successful landlord look like in 2026?
It’s simple.
They are:
✔ Compliant
✔ Proactive
✔ Organised
✔ Safety-focused
✔ Tenant-focused
✔ Professionally supported
Not reactive.
Not cutting corners.
Not guessing the rules.
Need support managing your property in South Manchester or Manchester City Centre?
At Jaks & Co, we help landlords across Didsbury, Chorlton, Withington, Wythenshawe and Manchester City Centre stay fully compliant while maximising their returns.
From tenant find to fully managed services, we handle everything so you don’t have to.
📞 Get in touch today for a free rental appraisal or landlord consultation.
