Economic pressures, new technology, and shifting lifestyle trends are constantly reshaping tenant expectations in the private rented sector (PRS). The most successful landlords are those who keep their finger on the pulse. They understand the factors that influence the private rental market and proactively adapt their business strategy to meet the market's changing needs.
Adapting your business strategy and tailoring your rental properties to meet demand can help boost tenant experience and reduce costly void periods. It's a smart business strategy that will help you to retain good tenants for longer and justify charging competitive rent.
In this article, we'll look at the trends set to impact the private rental sector in 2026 and discover what they reveal about what tenants really want from their homes in 2026.
What factors are changing tenant expectations in 2026?
Before finding out what tenants really want from their homes in 2026, it's important to understand what changes are driving their needs and expectations.
The Renters' Rights Act
The Renters' Rights Act has introduced some of the biggest changes the private rented sector has ever seen. Many of these changes are being rolled out throughout 2026 and aim to provide renters with fairer treatment and greater stability. The end of Section 21 evictions, the move to periodic tenancies, and stronger protections against unfair rent increases are raising expectations around landlord professionalism and transparency.
Rising living costs
While inflation has eased, living costs are still very high, and many renters are feeling the pinch. As the imbalance between supply and demand continues to push up the price of rent, affordability remains a key concern for renters. Tenants are looking for homes that offer good value for money and prioritising those with lower running costs.
Modern lifestyle changes
The average age at which people buy their first home keeps rising, meaning that people are now renting for longer than ever before. Since COVID, people have also been spending more time than ever in their homes as hybrid and remote working opportunities have become more prevalent. These factors have meant that properties offering flexible living spaces and pet-friendly policies have become more sought after.
What do tenants really want from a rental property in 2026?
Adapting your rental properties and services to meet the demands of the modern tenant is a smart business strategy that will keep your property in high demand and help you to attract valuable long-term tenants and reliable rental income.
In this section, we'll reveal what features will help your rental property stand out and attract more interest in 2026.
Value for money
When the cost of living is high, affordable rent sits at the top of every tenant's wishlist. Even if your property is finished to a high standard, make sure that it's priced competitively. If it feels overpriced compared to similar properties in the area, it is less likely to attract interest. The Renters' Rights Act makes it essential that rent is justifiable and set at the market rate in 2026.
A good energy efficiency rating
Energy rates have surged since 2021, and tenants now take far more notice of EPC ratings than they used to. Homes that are well insulated, fitted with modern heating systems, smart thermostats, and double glazing are in high demand. Energy-efficient homes are warmer and more comfortable to live in, cheaper to run, and more sustainable which is a big selling point for tenants in 2026.
Smart home technology
Smart tech like smart thermostats, Ring video doorbells, and modern security systems are becoming more common in rental properties. These features can improve tenant comfort, add convenience, enhance security and peace of mind, and even help tenants reduce their energy bills. Installing smart tech will help your property stand out, feel more modern, and improve overall tenant comfort and satisfaction.
Co-living spaces/HMOs
Recent years have seen a surge in demand for high-quality co-living spaces like houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). As the cost of living rises and people find themselves renting for longer than ever, demand for affordable, furnished, community-driven accommodation has grown. This type of accommodation is particularly popular with students, young professionals, and single people living in big cities and other high-cost areas.
Home working spaces
The Covid-19 pandemic created a real shift in attitudes towards flexible working. Far more employers now offer staff the option to work from home or enjoy hybrid working arrangements. This lifestyle shift means that many tenants are spending more time than ever in their homes and are looking for a dedicated space where they can imagine themselves comfortably working from home. Designing your property to include flexible living spaces, multi-purpose rooms, or a home office will help it attract more interest.
Fast, reliable broadband
In the modern world of streaming, smart devices, AI, and home working, poor connectivity can be a deal-breaker. In 2026, fast and reliable broadband is no longer a good-to-have; it's a basic expectation.
Pet-friendly policies
With more people than ever working from home at least part of the week, pet ownership in the UK has increased significantly since the pandemic. A pet-friendly policy can help your property stand out, boost tenant satisfaction, and attract tenants who are more likely to stay for longer. Pets can play a positive role in mental wellbeing, a fact reflected in recent legislative changes under the Renters' Rights Act, which will make it more difficult for landlords to refuse tenants the right to keep a pet from 1st May 2026.
Outdoor space
A functional outdoor space will make your property more desirable to tenants in 2026. Access to fresh air and a connection to nature can really boost mental wellbeing and quality of life. This doesn't have to be a huge garden; an attractive, low-maintenance terrace or balcony can be just as desirable.
Smart storage solutions
Storage is a feature that’s often overlooked, but it’s become increasingly more important now that tenants are renting for longer and so have accumulated more belongings. Many rentals are compact, but clever storage solutions can help create more space. Simple upgrades like under-stairs storage, garages and sheds, boarded lofts, built-in wardrobes, or multi-purpose furniture with integrated storage can add real value without major structural changes.
Convenient virtual reality property viewings
Most people today live busy modern lifestyles that can make travelling to attend property viewings inconvenient and stressful. Offering potential tenants VR property viewings can help to attract more interest and reduce the impact of no-shows. This service can be particularly attractive to tenants who are hoping to relocate from a different city or country. If they like what they see, they can then arrange an in-person viewing at a convenient time.
How can PaTMa help landlords meet tenant expectations in 2026?
2026 is set to be a significant year of change for the private rented sector. Stricter regulations and evolving tenant expectations will require landlords to rethink their strategies and plan ahead to ensure compliance and stay competitive.
Being organised will become more important than ever. Landlords who aren't yet using specialist software like PaTMa Property Manager to manage their portfolios can make the year easier by signing up now.
PaTMa helps landlords to manage every aspect of their business in one central location, streamlining their operations and freeing up more time to focus on planning for the future.
PaTMa's key features include:
- Automated Making Tax Digital compliant tax returns.
- Fully integrated financial record-keeping.
- Automated reminders for compliance deadlines.
- Unlimited compliance document storage.
- Advanced inventory builder.
- Utility and rent management.
- Portfolio performance reports.
Book a demo or sign up for a free trial to see how PaTMa Property Manager can help you manage your portfolio more efficiently and meet tenant expectations in 2026 and beyond.
