Landlord legislation is changing and 2026 is expected to be a landmark year. As part of the Renters Reform Act, the government is introducing a new Property Portal, which aims to raise standards and improve transparency in the private rented sector.
But what does that mean for landlords in Sedgley?
In this guide, we explain what the Property Portal is, how it works, and why it’s crucial for landlords to understand their new obligations. Most importantly, we show how full management from Hunters Sedgley can help you stay compliant and avoid the risk of fines or enforcement.
What is the Property Portal?
The Property Portal is part of the Renters Reform Act, a wide-ranging package of legislation designed to improve renting for tenants and bring greater regulation to the landlord sector.
Think of it as a national landlord register, a central online system that records key information about rented homes, landlords, and compliance. It will be managed by a new regulator and accessed by local councils.
Every landlord in England will need to:
- Register their rental properties on the portal
- Provide up-to-date compliance documents (e.g. EPC, gas safety)
- Keep records of key information such as deposit protection and licensing
- Declare that their properties meet legal letting standards
Why is the Property Portal being introduced?
The government’s aim is to improve the private rental sector by:
- Helping tenants make informed choices
- Giving councils tools to identify and act against rogue landlords
- Encouraging legal, responsible property management
- Creating a level playing field across the sector
Currently, tenants have no easy way to check whether their landlord is complying with the law. The Property Portal will change that and expose non-compliance much more easily.
What are my responsibilities as a landlord?
The new portal doesn’t introduce brand-new safety rules, but it does require landlords to prove they’re already meeting existing obligations. These include:
- Providing a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Completing annual gas safety checks
- Ensuring electrical installations are inspected every five years (EICR)
- Protecting tenant deposits in a government-approved scheme
- Issuing the correct paperwork before a tenancy starts
- Having the correct licence (if applicable) such as HMO or selective licensing
These are your core landlord responsibilities 2026, and the Property Portal will require you to demonstrate compliance clearly and keep records up to date.
What happens if I don’t register?
It’s expected that failure to register a property will be treated as a civil offence, with councils empowered to issue fines or enforcement notices.
Worse still, landlords who don’t register may lose their right to:
- Legally market the property for rent
- Start new tenancies
- Evict tenants through legitimate channels (such as Section 8 or new replacement processes)
In short, non-compliance could make it very difficult to operate as a landlord and could expose you to legal and financial risk.
What kind of landlords are most affected?
While all landlords will need to comply, the new system is likely to affect:
- Self-managing landlords without full knowledge of legislation
- Those renting out inherited or former family homes on an ad-hoc basis
- Part-time landlords who haven’t reviewed documentation recently
- Landlords with older properties in need of upgrades
If your paperwork isn’t fully up to date or if you’re unsure about your legal obligations the Property Portal could quickly highlight those gaps.
How full management helps you stay compliant
At Hunters Sedgley, we understand that keeping up with new legislation is one of the biggest challenges landlords face. The Property Portal adds another layer of admin, but with the right support, it doesn’t need to become a headache.
Our full property management service ensures you:
- Meet every legal requirement, with no missing paperwork
- Keep certificates and safety checks up to date
- Are prepared for Property Portal registration ahead of time
- Avoid fines, disputes, or delays when starting new tenancies
- Benefit from hands-on support and expert local knowledge
We handle licensing, inspections, tenant communication and document storage so you don’t have to.
Peace of mind, now and in the future
The rental market is changing, and professional standards are rising. Tenants expect more, and the law will demand more from landlords.
By acting now and working with a trusted letting agent, you can stay ahead of the changes and protect your property, income and reputation.
Whether you have one property or a growing portfolio, Hunters Sedgley is here to help you navigate 2025 with confidence.
Book a free compliance review or speak to our team about full property management:
