The start of a new year provides an ideal opportunity to assess your property portfolio, address maintenance issues, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
Whether you manage one rental property or multiple investments, systematic preparation prevents costly emergencies, maintains tenant satisfaction, and positions your properties for success throughout 2026.
Conduct comprehensive property inspections
Begin with thorough inspections of all properties. Look beyond obvious issues to identify potential problems before they escalate. Check roofs for missing tiles or signs of water ingress, inspect guttering and downpipes for blockages or damage, and examine external walls for cracks or deteriorating pointing.
Inside, test all appliances, check for damp or mould, inspect window and door seals, and ensure heating systems function efficiently. Document everything with photographs and notes, creating clear records of property condition at the year's start.
Winter weather often reveals issues that summer conditions mask, draughts around windows, inadequate heating, or drainage problems become apparent during cold, wet months. Address these issues promptly whilst they're fresh in your mind.
Service essential systems
Annual servicing of boilers and heating systems isn't just good practice, it's a legal requirement for rental properties. Arrange servicing early in the year before peak demand periods when engineers' availability becomes limited and costs potentially increase.
Similarly, service or replace smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Test all alarms monthly, but January provides a good checkpoint for systematic checks across your portfolio and battery replacements where needed.
Have chimneys swept if properties have working fireplaces, check water heaters and immersion heaters, and service any mechanical ventilation systems. Preventative maintenance costs substantially less than emergency repairs and demonstrates responsible property management.
Review and update safety compliance
Ensure all legally required certificates remain current. Gas Safety Certificates must be renewed annually, Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) require renewal every five years for rental properties, and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) remain valid for ten years but may need updating if you've made efficiency improvements.
Review your knowledge of current regulations. The Renters' Rights Act implementation continues throughout 2026, bringing new requirements for landlords. Ensure you understand obligations regarding property standards, tenancy terms, and tenant rights.
Check that deposit protection schemes remain properly registered, tenancy agreements reflect current regulations, and all required documentation has been provided to tenants within legal timeframes.
Address energy efficiency
With energy costs remaining elevated and regulatory focus on efficiency increasing, January provides an ideal time to review and improve property energy performance. Check EPCs for recommended improvements and prioritise cost-effective upgrades offering good returns.
Common improvements include loft insulation top-ups (often subsidised through government schemes), draught-proofing around windows and doors, and upgrading to more efficient heating controls. These improvements reduce tenant energy bills, increasingly important for rental demand, while potentially improving property values and EPC ratings.
Research available grants or schemes supporting energy efficiency improvements. Government initiatives change periodically, and starting the year by investigating current support programmes ensures you don't miss funding opportunities.
Prepare for tax obligations
Organise financial records for the tax year ahead. Ensure you have receipts for all property-related expenses, mortgage interest statements, and rental income records properly categorised and stored.
Review allowable expenses and ensure you're claiming everything legitimate, property maintenance, letting agent fees, insurance, professional fees, and travel costs for property management all potentially reduce tax liability.
If you haven't already, consider whether incorporating your property business might offer tax advantages. Consult with a property tax specialist to understand implications for your specific circumstances.
Plan maintenance budgets
Create realistic maintenance budgets for 2026 based on property ages, condition, and known upcoming requirements. Older properties typically require larger maintenance reserves, whilst newer properties might need minimal intervention.
Factor in regular maintenance like exterior painting cycles, carpet replacement timelines, and kitchen or bathroom refresh schedules. Planning these expenses prevent financial surprises and allows you to schedule work during convenient periods rather than responding to emergencies.
Review insurance coverage
Ensure all property insurance policies remain adequate and current. Have property values increased requiring higher coverage? Have you made improvements needing policy updates? Does your cover include adequate landlord liability protection?
Compare insurance providers, loyalty doesn't always reward property owners, and switching can save hundreds annually, potentially improving coverage.
Communicate with tenants
For rental properties, start the year with clear communication. Confirm you've conducted safety checks, remind tenants about their responsibilities regarding property care, and provide updated contact information for maintenance requests.
Good landlord-tenant relationships based on clear communication prevent many problems before they develop.
Contact us for professional property management advice and support