Rental Pulse | February 2026: Your February Strategy Guide

February marks a turning point. The spring lettings market is traditionally the busiest period of the year, and January’s data shows the early momentum building.

Time to let dropped to just 12 days — the fastest we’ve seen since the market rebalanced.

With the Renters’ Rights Act now just 86 days away, landlords who position their portfolios proactively in February will navigate May’s changes from a position of strength. This update shows you what’s working, what’s changing, and what to prioritise now.

📊 The Market Context You Need

Early spring momentum building: Tenant demand up 8% month-on-month (Jan 2026)

After December’s seasonal lull, the market began to stir in January. Enquiries rose sharply as tenants began planning moves ahead of the summer, whilst supply remained relatively stable. This created a brief window where well-presented properties let faster than at any point in late 2025.

Sources: Rightmove Rental Trends Report (Jan 2026); Zoopla Rental Market Report (Jan 2026)

What This Means

January proved that speed compounds. From first enquiry to signed contract, our average tenancy was secured in under two weeks. Properties that were well-presented, accurately priced, and professionally managed moved fastest — often with just 9 viewings. This is the market rewarding landlords who get the fundamentals right.

The spring market (March–May) is traditionally the strongest period for lettings. Preparation in February determines your success.

With tenant activity already up 8% month-on-month, the window to position vacant properties is now. Here’s your action plan:

Our recommendation: If you have any properties coming vacant in Q1, let’s discuss listing strategy this week. February is your preparation month — by March, you’ll want to be live and generating enquiries.

86 days until the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force

This is no longer theoretical. Royal Assent was granted in October 2025, and implementation begins on 1 May 2026. These changes fundamentally alter how you manage tenancies, serve notices, and navigate the landlord-tenant relationship.

Source: Gov.uk Implementation Roadmap

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces new rules for rent increases. Acting before 1 May may offer strategic advantages.

From 1 May, landlords can only raise rent once per year (for periodic tenancies), and increases must be evidenced against comparable market data. The notice period extends, and tenants gain enhanced challenge rights. Here’s how to approach rent reviews in this transitional period:

Our recommendation: Assess each tenancy individually. We provide detailed market analysis to support justified increases, and we can handle tenant communications professionally. The goal is sustainable income, not maximum short-term rent at the cost of voids or disputes.

Bottom Line

February is your preparation month. Spring is around the corner, legislative changes are 86 days away, and January’s performance data proves that professional management delivers faster, more efficient lettings. Landlords who act proactively in February will navigate the year ahead from a position of strength.

Difficult Tenant, Excellent Resolution

When a difficult tenant sent foul-mouthed messages and refused to cooperate, Charlotte Clarke navigated the situation professionally and achieved a successful resolution.

“Charlotte helped me immeasurably with an extremely difficult tenant (who sent her several foul-mouthed messages refusing to cooperate) and finally persuaded him to move out in good time following eviction. Having previously endured difficulties… with a ‘human’ letting agency who did nothing to oblige, Charlotte has shown how an online agency can be the model of assistance and first-class management.” — Richard Spencer, January 2026

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Proactive Rent Collection, Zero Arrears

“Charlotte was prompt and tenacious with ensuring rent payments were made, following an initial delay, to enable no arrears were encountered.” — Ian Biggs, January 2026

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Professional Guidance for New Landlords

“Abby was professional, friendly and experienced. She provided top advice that I applied to my property and it worked well. Highly recommended company.” — Barry O’Dea, January 2026

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