Key Property Regulation Updates Landlords Need to Know – January 2026
Published on January 29, 2026 by Sarah Mac
A flurry of announcements in the past few weeks means landlords have quite a bit to catch up on. From leasehold reform to deadline extensions and energy standards, here’s a quick summary of what’s new and what it might mean for you.
Leasehold Reform: Big Changes on the Horizon
The government has published a draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill aimed at shaking up the way leasehold properties are owned and managed in England and Wales.
Key points include:
- Ground rent to be capped at £250, with plans to reduce it to zero over time.
- New leasehold flats to be banned — commonhold will become the default, giving owners outright ownership and shared responsibility for managing the building.
- Forfeiture to be abolished, removing the risk of losing your leasehold over small debts (currently as little as £350).
Why it matters:
If you’re a landlord with leasehold flats in your portfolio, or manage such properties, these changes could affect how those investments are structured, maintained and valued going forward.
These proposals come after years of campaigning by leaseholders frustrated with high ground rents and lack of control over their properties. If passed, the reforms would represent a major shift in how leasehold properties are managed — and eventually owned — in England and Wales.
Decent Homes Standard: Deadline Pushed to 2035
Originally due in 2030, the government has confirmed that the new Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector will now apply from 2035.
What’s expected:
Properties will need to meet updated minimum standards, likely to include:
- Adequate insulation
- Functional kitchens and bathrooms
- Safe electrics and heating
- Minimum space requirements
Why it matters:
This gives landlords five more years to plan and budget for any required upgrades — but the bar is still rising, and early action could help spread the cost.
Most responsible landlords already strive to provide safe and well-maintained homes, but formalising the standard for the private sector could bring extra scrutiny. Now is a good time to review properties against existing criteria and make a long-term maintenance plan.
EPC Regulations: A Temporary Reprieve
Labour has announced a two-year delay on proposals to tighten energy efficiency standards for rental homes — which many had expected to come into force imminently.
But here’s the catch:
The pause doesn’t mean landlords can ignore energy performance. The long-term direction of travel remains the same, and updates to EPC thresholds are still firmly on the cards in future.
Why it matters:
Whether you’re planning to sell, re-mortgage, or simply stay compliant, it’s still worth thinking ahead about insulation, heating upgrades, or other improvements.
While the delay gives landlords breathing space, it’s not a reason to put off improvements indefinitely. The direction of travel is clear — more efficient, better-insulated homes will be a key expectation going forward. Acting early may also help spread costs and avoid future price surges as demand grows.
What to do NOW
- Keep an eye on leasehold reform developments if you own or manage leasehold properties
- Review your property standards in line with the Decent Homes guidance
- Consider getting an updated EPC to understand where you stand
- Speak to your letting agent or inventory clerk about preparing for incoming changes
Final Thoughts
While some of these changes offer breathing room, none of them remove the need to prepare. Whether it’s structural reforms or rising compliance standards, landlords who stay ahead of the curve are the ones who avoid the last-minute rush — and the biggest bills.
If you’re unsure how any of this might affect your properties, we’re always happy to help explain things in plain English during your next booking.
We’ll continue keeping you up to date as more details emerge, and as always, we’re here to support with compliance checks and property reporting.