Getting Your Rent Right in 2026

As the new year begins, many Hemel Hempstead landlords are asking whether their rent is set at the right level for 2026, balancing rising costs, compliance, and tenant stability.

The first week of a new year is a natural moment to pause, take stock and think ahead.

For landlords in Hemel Hempstead, one question consistently rises to the surface. Is the rent on my property set at the right level?

With the Renters Rights Act approaching and the cost of running a buy to let continuing to rise, rent setting has become more complex. It is no longer about following the market and hoping for the best. It now requires a careful balance between compliance, long term sustainability and keeping good tenants in place.

Over recent years, pressure on landlords has steadily increased. Mortgage costs, insurance, maintenance, licensing and compliance related expenses have all edged upwards. At the same time, upcoming legislation is expected to reshape how and when rents can be reviewed.

That makes getting decisions right from the outset more important than ever.

Understand the true market value

Setting rent starts with understanding what your property can realistically achieve.

That means looking beyond headline grabbing rents and focusing on evidence based figures. What similar homes are actually achieving. How quickly comparable properties are being let. What demand looks like in your specific part of Hemel Hempstead.

Overpricing often leads to longer void periods. Underpricing can leave you absorbing rising costs unnecessarily.

Condition now plays a bigger role

Condition matters more than ever.

Well maintained, energy efficient homes tend to attract stronger demand and more stable tenancies. Rent levels should reflect not just location, but also presentation, specification and how the property compares to others available locally.

In many cases, modest improvements can support a stronger rent far more effectively than assumptions alone.

Timing and communication are critical

With legislative changes ahead, rent reviews must be handled carefully and professionally.

Tenants are far more likely to accept fair and well explained adjustments than sudden or poorly justified increases. Clear communication builds trust and reduces friction.

In 2026, how rent is reviewed can be just as important as the figure itself.

Where expert advice makes the difference

Understanding legislation, upcoming reforms and local rental conditions takes time and experience.

A good local letting agent brings clarity to all three. That insight helps landlords set rents that are realistic, compliant and sustainable over the long term.

Final thought

If you are reviewing your rent for 2026, now is the right time to talk it through.

For clear, practical advice based on your property and the Hemel Hempstead rental market, we are here to help.

Related lettings guide

If you are reviewing rent levels and want a solid benchmark for what your rental should achieve, this guide will help.

A Landlord’s Guide to Accurately Valuing Your Rental Property Read online