The first week of a new year is a natural moment to pause, take stock and think ahead.
For landlords, one question tends to come up time and again as we move into 2026.
Is the rent on my property set at the right level?
With the Renters’ Rights Act on the horizon and the cost of running a buy to let continuing to rise, rent setting has become more complex. It is no longer about simply following the market and hoping for the best.
Today, it requires careful balancing. Compliance with legislation, long term sustainability and keeping good tenants in place all matter more than ever.
Over the past few years, landlords have faced increasing pressure. Mortgage rates, insurance premiums, maintenance costs, licensing requirements and compliance related expenses have all edged upwards. At the same time, upcoming legislation is expected to change how and when rents can be reviewed.
That makes getting decisions right from the outset especially important.
So how should landlords in Thetford approach rent planning in 2026?
Understanding true market value
The starting point is understanding what your property can realistically achieve. That means looking beyond headline grabbing rents and focusing instead on achievable figures based on recent local lets.
Demand levels, tenant profiles and how quickly comparable homes are being let all play a part. Overpricing can lead to longer void periods. Underpricing can leave you absorbing rising costs unnecessarily.
Condition matters more than ever
In today’s market, condition and efficiency carry real weight. Well maintained, energy efficient homes tend to attract stronger demand and more stable tenancies.
Rent levels should reflect not just location, but presentation, specification and how your property compares to others currently available locally.
Timing and communication
With legislative changes ahead, rent reviews need to be handled carefully and professionally. Timing matters, and so does communication.
Tenants are far more likely to accept fair, well explained adjustments than sudden increases that feel poorly justified or dropped on them without warning.
This is where experience and local knowledge make a real difference.
Why expert advice helps
A good local letting agent understands current legislation, upcoming reforms and the realities of the Thetford rental market.
That insight helps landlords set rents that are realistic, compliant and sustainable, protecting income while maintaining positive tenant relationships.
If you are reviewing your rent for 2026, now is a sensible time to talk it through.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East
