This week’s landlord news highlights important upcoming legal changes in Wales, landlord preferences regarding smoking and vaping, new council enforcement powers, and urgent advice on energy efficiency upgrades. These developments emphasise the need for landlords to stay informed and proactive in managing their properties.
Welsh Landlords Must Update Contracts by June 2026
From 1 June 2026, landlords in Wales will be prohibited from discriminating against tenants who have children or receive benefits. This legal change requires landlords to revise their standard occupation contracts accordingly and notify existing tenants by 14 June 2026.
Failure to comply will allow tenants to claim compensation equivalent to up to two months’ rent, which can be offset against future payments. Tim Thomas of Propertymark commented, “These changes may create additional administrative pressures for landlords and agents, particularly given the requirement to update existing occupation contracts or issue statements of variation within relatively short timescales.”
Additionally, Wales is reportedly considering ending ‘no fault’ evictions and rental bidding wars, signalling further shifts in tenant protections.
Landlords Prefer Vaping Tenants to Smokers
New statistics from Northerner reveal landlords are more reluctant to rent to smokers than to vapers. Landlords report fewer incidents involving vaping breaches compared to smoking breaches—30% versus 39% respectively.
The average cost to landlords for smoking-related cleaning and repairs is £107 per property, slightly higher than the £102 associated with vaping. However, some landlords have experienced smoking-related repair costs as high as £500. Clear tenant guidelines on smoking within properties are recommended to minimise disputes and damage.
Councils Now Issuing Immediate Fines to Landlords
Local authorities have expanded powers to fine landlords without prior warnings or advisory notices. Penalties can reach up to £40,000 for serious breaches, and multiple fines may be issued in some cases. Although councils must send a Notice of Intent before issuing a civil penalty, the window for landlords to seek guidance is limited.
Phil Turtle of Landlord Licensing & Defence advises, “Do not wait until you receive a notice. Understand your obligations now, get your compliance records in order, and know who to call before you need them.” This underscores the importance of landlords maintaining compliance and proactive management.
Urgent Action Needed on EPC Upgrades
Following the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords are urged to begin planning energy performance certificate (EPC) upgrades well before the 2030 EPC C deadline. The Mortgage Works reports that only 33% of landlords have a clear understanding of upgrade costs, while 63% are unaware of the expenses involved in reaching EPC C standards.
Currently, 33.8% of rental properties fall below EPC C. Early preparation is advised due to potentially long lead times for essential work such as window replacements and damp remediation. Acting promptly can also secure better availability and pricing for contractors.
Mike Donaldson, managing director of The Mortgage Works, states, “A full upgrade can meaningfully improve an EPC rating, eliminate the condensation that leads to damp and mould, and reduce a tenant’s bills. For landlords, that’s one conversation that solves three problems at once.”
Landlords should also be aware of Awaab’s Law, set to take effect in 2027, which will legally require the prompt resolution of damp and mould issues in the private rental sector.
What this means for landlords
Landlords must prepare for significant regulatory changes, particularly in Wales, where contract updates and anti-discrimination rules will soon be mandatory. Staying ahead of these changes will help avoid costly compensation claims and legal challenges.
Managing tenant behaviour regarding smoking and vaping remains a practical concern, with clear policies essential to minimise property damage and disputes. Meanwhile, the increased enforcement powers of councils demand rigorous compliance to avoid substantial fines.
Energy efficiency improvements are no longer optional but a legal imperative. Early investment in EPC upgrades and addressing damp issues will protect landlords from future penalties and improve tenant satisfaction.
Additional News Snippets
Recent reports highlight a range of landlord-related topics, including the success of business-like landlords in the post-reform private rented sector, a council and court case resulting in a modest fine of £369, and initiatives offering one-to-one sessions for landlords to pay licensing fees. There are also calls from Andy Burnham for a ‘three strikes and out’ policy on rogue landlords, alongside rising numbers of UK renters crowdfunding to cover bills and insights into tenant priorities and willingness to pay more for certain home features.
Source: Based on reporting from The Landlord Law Blog
TLA Training Academy
The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.
Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/
Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/
TLA update
The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/
Source: www.landlordlawblog.co.uk
TLA - The Landlord Association