January is never the easiest month for landlords – especially in Wiltshire. The weather is harsh, maintenance issues peak, and tenant concerns become more urgent. But in 2026, the usual winter pressures are only half the story.
With the Renters’ Rights Act due to take effect by May 2026, landlords in Warminster face one of the most significant changes to letting law in decades. Section 21 will be abolished. All tenancies will become open-ended. And rent-setting will be more heavily regulated.
Combined with seasonal property risks, this year calls for a new level of diligence from every landlord. At Northwood Warminster, we’re helping landlords take proactive steps to keep properties safe, tenants secure and portfolios profitable.
Here’s your full roadmap for navigating 2026 with confidence.
January in Wiltshire: why winter prep matters more than ever
Warminster is no stranger to frosty starts, and January is statistically the coldest month of the year. When temperatures dip below freezing, problems like burst pipes, broken boilers and heating faults can quickly escalate from minor inconvenience to emergency repair.
These aren’t just maintenance issues – they have compliance consequences.
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must ensure all properties are fit for human habitation, with safe heating and water systems. That means staying ahead of cold-weather risks isn’t optional.
In 2026, this duty becomes even more pressing. With longer tenancies and more protection for tenants, landlords have fewer chances to reset or make major upgrades between occupancies.
A winter audit should now be a standard part of your January calendar.
Boiler checks, frozen pipes and insulation: your maintenance priorities
Here are the most urgent winter maintenance tasks Warminster landlords should prioritise:
- Service your boiler
Ensure a qualified engineer has inspected the boiler. This reduces breakdown risk and keeps heating costs efficient for tenants. - Lag exposed pipes
Pipes in lofts, under stairs or along exterior walls are most vulnerable to freezing. Pipe insulation (lagging) is cost-effective and reduces the chance of bursts. - Bleed radiators
Radiators that are hot at the bottom but cold at the top may be filled with air. Bleeding them ensures even heating throughout the property. - Advise tenants on prevention
Tenants should know where the stopcock is and be reminded to keep heating on low if they’re away. Clear communication prevents avoidable emergencies. - Check insulation
Loft insulation, window seals and door frames should be assessed for heat retention. Energy-efficient properties are not only easier to let – they’re also more compliant with EPC regulations.
Northwood Warminster offers a fully managed winter maintenance programme, including routine inspections and emergency contractor access across the BA12 area.
May 2026: what the Renters’ Rights Act will change
In spring 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act will introduce major reforms to the way rental properties are managed in England. Key changes include:
Abolition of Section 21
Landlords will no longer be able to serve a no-fault eviction notice. Possession will only be granted for specific legal reasons, such as rent arrears or the landlord selling the property.
Open-ended tenancies
All new tenancies will be periodic by default. Tenants can stay indefinitely, with fixed terms replaced by rolling agreements.
Rent bidding banned
Landlords must advertise a fixed rent and cannot accept offers above the listed price. This aims to level the playing field for tenants in competitive markets.
New property portal
A national landlord registration platform will hold compliance records, tenancy information and documentation. Landlords who fail to register may face fines or lose rights to regain possession.
These reforms will redefine how properties are let and managed. In a town like Warminster, where the rental market includes family homes, older stock and long-standing tenants, getting ahead of the changes is essential.
Why pricing accuracy matters more in 2026
Under the new rules, you only get one chance to price your property correctly. With bidding no longer allowed, the rent you advertise must be the rent you charge.
In previous years, landlords might list a property in BA12 at £895pcm and let it go to the highest applicant. From May, that strategy becomes non-compliant.
This raises the stakes for your marketing launch:
- Overpricing will reduce enquiries and increase void time
- Underpricing will lock in below-market income for years, especially under open-ended tenancies
Northwood Warminster uses live market data, including Rightmove and Zoopla trends, to assess the most accurate rent level for every property. We also factor in tenant demand, local competition, and seasonality to ensure your launch price is right first time.
2026 landlord audit: future-proof your portfolio
As we head into a pivotal year, landlords should carry out a full audit of their properties and processes.
Here’s what to review:
- Legal compliance
- Is your EPC valid and rated E or above?
- Are your EICR, gas safety and smoke alarm certifications up to date?
- Have you registered or prepared to register with the new landlord portal?
- Tenancy documentation
- Are your agreements compatible with open-ended tenancies?
- Have you removed clauses that reference fixed end dates or now-defunct processes?
- Rent strategy
- Do your advertised rents reflect true market value?
- Are you prepared to justify your rent level with data?
- Possession planning
- If you anticipate needing your property back in the next 12 months, are you using a legally valid reason?
- Do you understand how Section 8 and the new grounds will apply?
- Winter readiness
- Have you taken steps to protect against cold-related damage?
- Are your tenants informed and supported through the season?
At Northwood Warminster, we offer a free portfolio audit combining legal, maintenance and pricing checks to help landlords enter the year fully prepared.
The value of Guaranteed Rent in a changing market
As the rental landscape becomes more regulated, many landlords are choosing to remove uncertainty altogether.
Our Guaranteed Rent scheme offers:
- Fixed monthly income, regardless of whether the tenant pays
- No risk from arrears or void periods
- Full management and legal compliance included
- Reliable cash flow and stress-free letting
In 2026, this model is more attractive than ever – particularly for landlords juggling multiple properties or operating from a distance.
Local support that landlords can trust
At Northwood Warminster, we provide tailored property management solutions across the BA12 area. Our team combines deep local insight with national resources, ensuring landlords benefit from:
- Data-led rental valuations
- Full compliance with the latest legislation
- In-house maintenance and contractor access
- Responsive tenant communication
- Optional Guaranteed Rent for long-term stability
We support landlords in Warminster, Westbury, Codford, Heytesbury and surrounding villages, adapting our service to suit your property and goals.
Ready to safeguard your rental income in 2026?
From frozen pipes to new legal frameworks, the risks facing landlords in 2026 are clear – but so are the solutions.
A proactive audit, accurate pricing and professional management can make the difference between a profitable year and a costly one.
Book your free compliance and maintenance audit or request a rental valuation today:
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