Blog Post | Diamond Estate Agents

What Makes a Good Landlord in 2026? A Guide for Mid Devon Landlords

Being a good landlord is about more than collecting the rent. Get it right and you can build long-term tenancies, enjoy reliable rental income and minimise void periods. Get it wrong, and managing a property can quickly become a second job.

With the Renters' Rights Act now in force, the private rented sector has undergone some of its biggest changes in years. Assured Shorthold Tenancies have been replaced by periodic tenancies, Section 21 has been abolished, and Making Tax Digital is being introduced for landlords who meet the relevant income thresholds.

So, what does being a good landlord look like in 2026, and how can landlords across Exeter, Tiverton and Mid Devon make managing their properties simpler?

Start with the right tenancy agreement

Your tenancy agreement sets the foundations for the relationship between landlord and tenant. It should be clear, fair and reflect the current legislation rather than relying on an old AST template.

Since 1st May 2026, existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies have converted automatically to Assured Periodic Tenancies, while new tenancies are periodic from the outset.

This means landlords need to make sure their documentation and processes are up to date.

There are several areas to consider, including:

Ensuring tenancy terms reflect the new rental legislation.
Understanding the Section 13 rent increase process.
Having sensible arrangements for pets, which can no longer be refused without a reasonable reason.
Keeping records of notices, communications and important tenancy events.
Making sure any tenancy paperwork supplied to tenants is current.

For landlords in Exeter, Tiverton, Cullompton, Crediton, Uffculme and across Mid Devon, working with a professional letting agent can take much of the administrative pressure away.

Treat your tenant's home with respect

A successful tenancy is built on a good relationship between landlord and tenant.

Your rental property is your investment, but for your tenant it is their home. Giving appropriate notice before visits, responding to questions and repairs promptly, and communicating clearly can make a huge difference.

Good communication also helps prevent small issues from becoming large ones.

Keep a record of repair requests, inspections, access arrangements and responses. This is not about expecting problems. It is about having a clear record of what has happened should you ever need it.

The new legislation also gives tenants greater protection and introduces a statutory complaints framework, making professional record-keeping increasingly important.

Good tenants are worth holding on to

For landlords, a long-term tenant can be one of the biggest advantages of running a rental property.

Every change of tenant can potentially mean:

A period without rental income.
Re-marketing costs.
Cleaning and maintenance.
New tenant referencing.
Administration and paperwork.
Time spent dealing with viewings and enquiries.

A tenant who pays their rent on time, looks after the property and communicates well is valuable.

That means landlords should think carefully about rent reviews. Maximising the rent today is not always the same as maximising your return over the long term.

Sometimes a sensible approach to a rent increase can help retain a good tenant and avoid the costs associated with finding a replacement.

Remember that your property is a business

Even if you only own one rental property, it is important to treat your investment professionally.

Keep accurate financial records, budget for repairs and maintenance, monitor your rental income and understand your tax obligations.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax came into effect on 6th April 2026 for landlords and self-employed individuals with qualifying income above £50,000. The threshold is due to reduce to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028.

If you are approaching one of these thresholds, it is worth speaking to your accountant and making sure your records and software are ready.

At Diamond Estate Agents, we can also help landlords understand the practical side of managing a rental property, while your accountant can advise you on your individual tax position.

Look after your property and your investment

A well-maintained property is more attractive to prospective tenants and can help protect its long-term value.

This is particularly important as standards within the private rented sector continue to evolve.

Landlords should stay on top of:

Damp and mould.
Heating and hot water systems.
Plumbing and electrical issues.
General wear and tear.
Safety requirements.
Regular inspections and maintenance.

If a tenant reports damp or mould, take it seriously. Arrange an appropriate inspection, investigate the cause and keep a written record of the action taken.

Preventative maintenance is usually far less expensive than allowing a relatively small problem to become a major repair.

Keep your compliance in order

Landlord legislation can feel complicated, but breaking it down into manageable tasks makes it much easier.

Your compliance checklist should include:

Current Renters' Rights Act documentation and information provided to tenants where required.
Annual Gas Safety Certificate.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), renewed at least every five years and as required for new tenancies.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), with the property currently meeting the applicable minimum standard.
Smoke alarms on every storey.
Carbon monoxide alarms where required.
Deposit protected in an approved scheme within the required timeframe, with prescribed information provided.
Right to Rent checks completed and documented for adult occupiers.
HMO licensing where applicable.
Appropriate insurance and maintenance arrangements.
Records of inspections, repairs and tenant communications.

Legislation continues to change, so it is important that landlords regularly review their obligations rather than relying on paperwork that may have been correct several years ago.

Local knowledge matters

Being a landlord in Mid Devon is different from owning a rental property in a large city.

Understanding local rents, tenant demand and the types of properties people are looking for can make a significant difference to your investment.

At Diamond Estate Agents and Diamond Lettings, we work across Exeter, Tiverton and the surrounding Mid Devon area, giving us a local understanding of the rental market and the people who live here.

From a town-centre apartment in Tiverton to a family home in the surrounding villages, getting the rent right, marketing the property effectively and finding the right tenant all contribute to a successful letting.

Let someone else handle the paperwork

For many landlords, the biggest benefit of using a professional letting agent is not simply finding a tenant. It is having someone keeping an eye on everything else.

Legislation, inspections, certificates, rent reviews, maintenance, tenant communication and compliance can quickly become a lot to manage alongside work and family life.

A good letting agent can help take that burden away, leaving you to enjoy the benefits of property investment without constantly checking whether you have missed a deadline or legislative change.

At Diamond Estate Agents, our local letting team works with landlords across Tiverton and Mid Devon, providing professional advice and practical support throughout the tenancy.

Good landlords build good tenancies

Ultimately, being a good landlord comes down to a few simple principles: communicate well, maintain your property, understand your responsibilities, treat tenants fairly and keep your paperwork in order.

Do those things consistently and you are far more likely to have the outcome every landlord wants: a well-maintained property, a reliable tenant, fewer void periods and a rental investment that works for you.

If you are a landlord in Exeter, Tiverton or Mid Devon considering letting a property, reviewing your current arrangements or simply wondering whether your rental is performing as well as it could, Diamond Estate Agents would be happy to have a conversation.

No hard sell, just local advice from a team that understands the Mid Devon rental market.