For landlords in St Helens, 2026 brings more than the usual rent reviews and maintenance rounds – it brings heightened compliance expectations.
In January, St Helens Council introduced new enforcement priorities under its Housing Standards programme, focusing on energy performance, damp and mould, and liveability. It’s part of a broader effort to improve housing across WA9 and beyond, targeting older properties that don’t meet modern expectations.
At the same time, national reforms including the Renters’ Rights Act 2026, are raising the bar for landlord responsibilities across the UK.
The message is clear: If you’re letting property in areas like Thatto Heath, Parr or Sutton, it’s time to ensure your portfolio is fully compliant, well-managed and future-proofed. And that’s where Belvoir St Helens comes in.
Why landlords need to take compliance seriously in 2026
Rental demand in St Helens remains strong but so does scrutiny. The council has publicly stated its intent to:
- Increase inspections of rental homes, especially in older terraced housing
- Enforce stricter penalties for unresolved issues such as damp, mould, and insulation failure
- Support tenants in challenging substandard living conditions
- Use data from the new National Property Portal to spot non-compliant landlords
If your property is found lacking – even unintentionally, you could face:
- Civil penalties of up to £30,000 per breach
- Rent repayment orders
- Loss of landlord licence (if applicable)
- Damage to your reputation or tenant relations
In short: compliance isn’t optional in 2026 – it’s a business essential.
What St Helens Council is focusing on
From our conversations with local landlords and tenants, and direct council announcements, the following areas are receiving the most attention:
1. Damp and mould prevention
Following national concern about health risks, properties with visible or persistent damp are now a priority for inspections, particularly in older brick terraces in Thatto Heath, West Park and Parr.
Landlords must:
- Investigate and resolve damp at the source, not just cover it up
- Ensure bathrooms and kitchens are properly ventilated
- Upgrade insulation where walls are prone to condensation
- Maintain roofs, gutters and drains to avoid water ingress
Belvoir St Helens offers full damp investigations and contractor referrals as part of our Fully Managed service.
2. EPC requirements in Merseyside (2026 and beyond)
While there’s no formal deadline for EPC Band C yet, the council is treating substandard energy ratings (D or lower) as a red flag for enforcement especially where tenants report cold or costly homes.
If your property is currently Band D or E, consider:
- Upgrading loft and wall insulation
- Replacing older gas boilers with energy-efficient models
- Installing smart thermostats or programmable controls
- Switching to LED lighting and draught-proofing doors and windows
We can help assess the best route to improvement and connect you with local contractors.
3. General property condition
Inspections will also look for:
- Fire safety issues (alarms, exits, HMO standards if applicable)
- Electrical faults
- Loose handrails or unsafe stairs
- Signs of overcrowding
- Missing or deteriorating flooring, doors or window frames
Our regular inspections help landlords stay one step ahead and avoid surprises.
Renters’ Rights Act St Helens: What’s changing nationally?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2026 is reshaping the private rented sector. For landlords in St Helens, it means:
- Mandatory registration on the National Property Portal
- Transparent publication of EPC, Gas Safety, EICR and deposit documents
- New rules on notice periods and eviction grounds
- Stricter enforcement on Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH) rules
- Greater tenant access to property condition records
In practical terms, that means your admin, compliance and record-keeping need to be watertight.
Our Belvoir St Helens team handles this on your behalf. From deposit registration to ongoing certification, we manage everything digitally – ready for upload or inspection at any time.
The risk to landlords: What happens if you ignore the changes?
Even well-intentioned landlords can fall foul of the rules. Here’s what we’re seeing in 2026:
- Unregistered tenancies flagged via the National Property Portal
- EPC ratings too low for newly signed agreements
- Tenant complaints leading to spot inspections and housing enforcement notices
- Missed re-certification dates for Gas Safety or EICRs
- Delayed repairs resulting in formal improvement orders
It’s not just about fines – non-compliance can damage your portfolio’s value, your tenants’ satisfaction, and your long-term yield.
Letting through Belvoir means these risks are minimised because we’re always one step ahead on local and national compliance.
Property types most at risk: A focus on WA9 and older stock
The St Helens rental market has plenty of character, but also plenty of age. If you own:
- A Victorian or Edwardian terrace
- A mid-century ex-local authority home
- A flat above a commercial premises
- A property with electric storage heating or minimal insulation
…then you’re more likely to attract council attention during compliance sweeps in 2026.
That’s not to say these homes can’t perform well. In fact, with the right upgrades and management, they can outperform newer stock in terms of rental yield. But they need active oversight, smart planning and responsive maintenance.
Belvoir landlord services: What fully managed means in 2026
Our Fully Managed service is designed for busy landlords who want compliance covered, tenants looked after, and rental income protected.
We offer:
- Monthly or quarterly property inspections
- EPC and FFHH compliance reviews
- Contractor coordination for repairs and energy upgrades
- Rent collection and arrears support
- Digital tenancy document storage (ready for council audits)
- Portal registration when required under the new Act
We also keep you informed not overwhelmed, with clear reporting and expert advice, backed by the wider Belvoir network.
Staying profitable: Compliance as a competitive advantage
The reality is, properties that meet or exceed, compliance standards are easier to rent, attract better tenants, and can command higher rents.
In 2026, tenants are looking for:
- Energy efficiency (lower bills, warmer homes)
- Quick response times to repairs
- Transparent communication
- Safe, well-maintained homes they can trust
So while the new rules may seem like a cost or complication, they’re also a chance to stand out from other landlords who take shortcuts.
Belvoir landlords enjoy:
- Faster lets
- Lower void periods
- Better long-term tenant retention
- Peace of mind especially when council letters land
What to do now: Your 2026 landlord compliance checklist
If you’re unsure where your portfolio stands, start with these steps:
Review all EPC ratings – especially those rated D or below
Check last issue dates on Gas Safety and EICR certificates
Look for signs of mould, damp or poor ventilation in all rooms
Confirm that tenant documents are complete and up to date
Ensure deposits are protected and registered properly
Talk to Belvoir about a full compliance review
We can walk you through each of these, arrange any updates, and bring your properties up to spec.
Final word: Don’t wait for the knock at the door
With the St Helens Council housing enforcement team stepping up inspections and the Renters’ Rights Act creating more visibility around non-compliance, 2026 is the year to get ahead not hope for the best.
The good news? You don’t need to figure it all out alone.
At Belvoir St Helens, we’re compliance experts as well as lettings professionals. We know the local housing market, the council’s expectations, and the steps needed to keep your investment profitable, without the risk of penalties, tenant disputes or sudden costs.
Let’s protect your investment, together
Book your 2026 landlord compliance audit with Belvoir today and get a clear, no-obligation assessment of where your properties stand and how to stay on the right side of the rules.
