Marketing your rental property in 2026

Marketing your rental property in 2026 will most definitely require a blend of high-tech digital tools, along with a deep understanding of the new legal boundaries that come with the Renters’ Rights Act being implemented in May this year. It is important that you keep all the legal information at the forefront of everything you do when it comes to marketing your rental property to ensure you stay abreast of regulations. 

Here, we’ll look at the best places to advertise your rental property while remaining compliant and efficient. 

Fixed-price marketing

One of the biggest changes in 2026 when it comes to marketing your rental property is the ban on rental bidding wars. According to the Renters’ Rights Act, it is now illegal for a landlord to accept an offer that is higher than advertised. 

Why is this important for marketing your rental property?

Previously, some landlords would list their property at an extremely low price to make the property more attractive and to initiate a frenzy of offers. They could then make all parties aware that the property is in high demand, orchestrating higher rental prices. 

In 2026, this is illegal and also results in fines of up to £7,000 for a first offence. So, the aim is to be as accurate as possible, with your advertised price being the final price. Also, make sure that you conduct your market research to help you make this decision. Remember, you’re only able to raise your rental prices once per year, so it is important to get it right the first time. 

The EPC advantage

Tenants are more energy-conscious than ever, and when utility bills are high, there is often high tenant turnover because of this.  

How to market energy efficiency

So, how do you highlight energy efficiency when marketing your rental property? In 2026, having an EPC rating of C is extremely valuable and will give your property that competitive edge. Here’s what to add in your listing when marketing energy efficiency:

• Low running costs: ensure you include estimated monthly savings on energy bills.
• Highlight upgrades: always include any upgrades to your property description, such as smart thermostats or high-grade insulation. 
• Guarantee: as you may know, the Decent Homes Standard now applies to the private sector, too, so market your property as thermally efficient to leverage this. 

The best place to advertise your rental property in 2026

The best way to market your rental property is to make sure you’re using more than one platform, using a multi-channel approach. This can be a balance of the popular portals as well as smaller ones that are ‘direct-to-tenant’. 

Mandatory digital presentation

In 2026, it is important to focus on your digital presentation when marketing your rental property. Most high-quality tenants will want to be able to walk through your property to get a feel for it before booking a physical viewing. 

3D tours

Having an immersive 3D experience for potential tenants when marketing your rental property can significantly reduce the time it takes to onboard a tenant, as you will only receive property viewings from high-intent tenants. 

AI-enhanced staging

If you market your rental property as empty, it will look a lot smaller and less personable. Most landlords in 2026 are using AI virtual staging to fill the property online to increase engagement from potential tenants. This also allows those looking to rent to imagine how they would furnish the rental property. Conducting virtual viewings is extremely beneficial!

Marketing to pet owners

It is now a lot more difficult to put a blanket ban on pets since the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act. Tenants now have a legal right to request a pet, and this can only be refused if it is reasonable to do so. 

The marketing opportunity

So, instead of waiting for your tenant to ask if they can have a pet, market your property as pet-friendly, as this will give you a competitive edge compared to your competitors. 

• The pet premium: You aren’t able to charge pet rent; however, pet-friendly properties often attract more applicants, which gives you a wider choice. 
• Clear policy: Make sure that you have a clear pet policy in place and mention this in your property listing. 

The compliance checklist for your 2026 advert

Make sure that you always include the following information in your property listing when marketing your rental property: 

1. Fixed monthly rent: No bidding or variable pricing.
2. EPC rating: Must be clearly visible (and ideally C or above).
3. Council tax band: A mandatory requirement for transparency.
4. PRS database ID: Once the database is live in your area, your unique property ID must be listed.
5. No discrimination: Ensure your copy doesn’t include ‘No DSS’ or ‘No Children’, as this is now illegal under anti-discrimination laws. 

Professionalism is best when marketing your rental property

The main thing about marketing your rental property effectively is to always remain professional and compliant with laws and regulations. It is also important to find the right tenant for your property who can rely on the information you provide them on the property listing. There are so many digital tools available now for you to be able to market your rental property effectively, too, so make sure you use them. 

Besides ensuring you market your rental property efficiently, you may be looking for reliable landlord insurance deals. Make sure to get in touch with our team of specialists at CIA Landlords on 01788 818 670 for more information and ensure you invest in the safety of your property.