As 2026 approaches, landlords across Pontypridd and wider Wales need to stay on top of upcoming legislation. From energy efficiency updates to extended notice periods, 2026 landlord legal changes in Wales could have a direct impact on how you manage your rental properties – and your responsibilities as a landlord.
Whether you self-manage or use a letting agent, it’s crucial to start planning now. In this blog, we’ll outline what’s expected to change in the coming year, what’s already in force, and how to protect your property, tenants, and income in a shifting legal landscape.
Quick recap: where we stand today
Since the implementation of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act in December 2022, landlords in Wales have already seen significant change. The Act replaced a patchwork of previous tenancy laws with a single, more streamlined framework – including:
- New standard occupation contracts
- Consolidated responsibilities for repairs and safety
- A requirement for written agreements and clear notices
- Clearer rules around evictions and notice periods
If you’re still operating on older-style contracts, now is the time to update them.
Need help checking compliance? Book a free landlord review:
What 2026 could bring: legal updates on the horizon
While the legal foundations are already in place, several additional legal and regulatory changes are expected to affect landlords in Wales in 2026. These include:
1. Higher EPC standards for rental properties
Proposed change: Minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for new tenancies could rise from E to C – potentially as early as 2026.
This is part of the Welsh and UK governments’ broader push for improved energy efficiency in housing.
Impact:
- If your property has an EPC rating of D or lower, you may need to make upgrades before re-letting.
- Older homes, particularly stone or terrace properties, may require significant investment.
- Non-compliant homes may face letting restrictions or financial penalties.
What you can do now:
- Check your current EPC rating.
- Start budgeting for improvements (e.g. insulation, boilers, glazing).
- Apply for grants where available (e.g. Nest Wales schemes).
- Book an updated EPC assessment if your current one is over 10 years old.
2. Extended notice periods becoming permanent?
Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, six-month notice periods became standard for no-fault evictions (using Section 173 notices). These were extended from the previous two-month minimum.
Although this rule is already in force, the Welsh Government may formalise these longer notice periods permanently and restrict some exceptions further in 2026.
Impact:
- Landlords will need to plan farther in advance for tenancy changes.
- Regaining possession due to sale or change in use may take longer.
What you can do now:
- Review tenancy lengths and renewal timelines.
- Keep detailed records of tenant communication and property conditions.
- Use robust screening processes to reduce tenancy risks.
3. Strengthened tenant rights and rent controls?
While no rent control measures are currently in place in Wales, 2026 could see consultation on rent increase limits, particularly in response to rising living costs.
There may also be more formal obligations around:
- Rent reviews
- Justifications for increases
- Maximum frequency of rent adjustments
Impact:
- You may need to give longer notice of rent changes.
- Rent increases could be challenged by tenants if not properly managed.
What you can do now:
- Keep rent increases consistent and fair.
- Benchmark your rents against similar properties in Pontypridd.
- Provide advance written notice, even when not legally required.
4. Strengthening of fitness for human habitation standards
The Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH) guidance was introduced under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act. In 2026, we may see expanded enforcement or additional checks required – particularly around:
- Mould, damp, and condensation
- Heating systems and ventilation
- Fire and carbon monoxide alarms
Impact:
- Local councils may increase inspections
- Tenants may have clearer channels to report breaches
- Fines for non-compliance could increase
What you can do now:
- Conduct a full property inspection before the end of the year
- Log all safety certifications and maintenance reports
- Make proactive improvements to older or high-risk properties
5. Rent Smart Wales re-registration and enforcement
Rent Smart Wales is a legal requirement for all landlords and managing agents in Wales. Your registration must be renewed every five years – and in 2026, many early registrants will be up for renewal.
Impact:
- Failing to re-register can result in fines and a ban on letting
- Enforcement is expected to be more active in 2026
What you can do now:
- Check your current licence expiry date
- Complete any necessary refresher training
- Ensure your agent is also fully compliant
What hasn’t changed – but still matters
While the focus is on new laws, it’s important to stay compliant with existing responsibilities, including:
- Deposit protection in an approved scheme (within 30 days)
- Gas Safety Certificate renewed annually
- Electrical safety inspections (EICR) every five years
- Fire, smoke and CO alarms installed and tested as required
- Providing a written statement of terms to tenants
At Belvoir Pontypridd, we conduct regular landlord audits to ensure all legal documentation and certificates are up to date.
Preparing your portfolio for 2026: a landlord checklist
Here’s a quick guide to staying ahead of legal changes – and avoiding last-minute stress:
- Review all tenancy agreements and update to current contracts
- Book an EPC check and energy efficiency audit
- Check your Rent Smart Wales registration date
- Arrange safety inspections due in 2026
- Schedule maintenance for heating and ventilation
- Speak to your letting agent about longer-term rent plans
- Keep clear digital records of compliance
Why acting now could save you later
Delaying upgrades or paperwork might seem easier in the short term — but with tighter regulation and more tenant awareness, reactive landlords risk:
- Penalties for non-compliance
- Lost rental income from void periods
- Limited ability to serve notices
- More disputes and legal costs
Taking action early – even before final changes are confirmed – puts you in control.
Local support from Belvoir Pontypridd
As local letting specialists, we’re here to help landlords across Pontypridd, Treforest, Trehafod and the Valleys navigate the shifting legal landscape.
With our fully managed service, you get:
- Ongoing compliance checks
- Advice on legislative updates
- Document templates that follow Welsh law
- Proactive property inspections
- Rent Smart Wales-licensed management
Whether you let one property or multiple, we’ll make sure your 2026 plans are built on solid ground.
Ready to get compliant for 2026?
Let’s have a conversation about:
- EPC improvements
- Your tenancy contract types
- Notice periods and possession
- Licensing or re-registration
- Portfolio planning for the year ahead
Because property is personal – and compliance is key. At Belvoir Pontypridd, we offer tailored support for sellers, including property checks and viewing management, to ensure your home stays secure while on the market.
