{"id":13580,"date":"2026-02-04T11:37:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T11:37:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lettingaproperty.com\/landlord\/blog\/?p=13580"},"modified":"2026-03-10T09:57:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T09:57:18","slug":"rental-pulse-february-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lettingaproperty.com\/landlord\/blog\/rental-pulse-february-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Rental Pulse | February 2026: Your February Strategy Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spring is around the corner \u2014 how January’s data reveals your opportunity window<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

Time to let dropped to just 12 days \u2014 the fastest we’ve seen since the market rebalanced.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\ud83d\udcca The Market Context You Need<\/h2>\n

Early spring momentum building:<\/span> Tenant demand up 8% month-on-month (Jan 2026)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Sources: Rightmove Rental Trends Report (Jan 2026); Zoopla Rental Market Report (Jan 2026)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\u26a1 Vivo Platform Insights: January Performance<\/h2>\n

Our platform data from January reveals the efficiency of professional management when the market turns. Here’s what happened across our portfolio:<\/p>\n

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12 days<\/p>\n

TIME TO LET<\/p>\n

33% faster than market avg<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n

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54 hrs<\/p>\n

VIEWING REQUEST<\/p>\n

From listing to enquiry<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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9<\/p>\n

VIEWINGS PER PROPERTY<\/p>\n

Average viewing requests<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n

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10 hrs<\/p>\n

APPLICATION TO REFERENCING<\/p>\n

Processing speed<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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4 days<\/p>\n

REFERENCING COMPLETION<\/p>\n

Full reference checks<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n

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46 hrs<\/p>\n

CONTRACT SIGNING TIME<\/p>\n

Application to signed contract<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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What This Means<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 often with just 9 viewings. This is the market rewarding landlords who get the fundamentals right.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\ud83c\udf31 Question 1: How Do You Capitalise on the Approaching Spring Market?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The spring market (March\u2013May) is traditionally the strongest period for lettings. Preparation in February determines your success.<\/p>\n

With tenant activity already up 8% month-on-month, the window to position vacant properties is now. Here’s your action plan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2713 Vacant or soon-to-be-vacant properties?<\/p>\n

List immediately. January’s 54-hour response time shows tenants are active \u2014 but competition will intensify as more landlords list for spring. Early movers win.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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\u26a0 Current tenancies expiring March\u2013May?<\/p>\n

Start renewal conversations now. With Section 21 abolished from 1 May, retaining quality tenants becomes more valuable. Offer early renewal incentives if needed.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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\ud83d\udd27 Properties needing maintenance?<\/p>\n

Complete work by mid-February. With Awaab’s Law enforcement increasing and the Renters’ Rights Act incoming, compliance issues will delay lettings and attract scrutiny. Fix now, let faster.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Our recommendation:<\/strong> If you have any properties coming vacant in Q1, let’s discuss listing strategy this week. February is your preparation month \u2014 by March, you’ll want to be live and generating enquiries.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\u2696\ufe0f Question 2: Are You Ready for 1 May 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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86 days until the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f 30 April 2026 (86 days)<\/p>\n

Final day to serve Section 21 notices. After this, Section 21 (“no-fault eviction”) is abolished entirely.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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\ud83d\udccb 1 May 2026 (87 days)<\/p>\n

All new tenancies must be periodic (rolling) by default. Fixed-term contracts can only be issued with tenant agreement.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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\ud83d\udcc4 31 May 2026 (117 days)<\/p>\n

Deadline to provide all existing tenants with a written statement of tenancy terms. Financial penalties for non-compliance.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Your February Action Plan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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1. Tenancy agreement review<\/strong> \u2014 We’re updating all documentation to comply with the new periodic tenancy requirements and notice procedures<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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2. Section 8 grounds familiarisation<\/strong> \u2014 From 1 May, Section 8 becomes your only possession route. We’ll guide you through the specific grounds and notice periods<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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3. Property compliance audit<\/strong> \u2014 Awaab’s Law (damp\/mould), EPC standards, and electrical safety will be enforced more rigorously under the new regime<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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4. Written statements preparation<\/strong> \u2014 We’re preparing compliant written statements for all existing tenancies ahead of the 31 May deadline<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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What we’re handling on your behalf:<\/p>\n