The start of a new year is a great opportunity to pause, reflect and make sure your investment property is protected and performing at its best. Simple checks early in the year can reduce risk, improve tenant satisfaction and help you get more out of your asset in 2026.

1. Put compliance and safety at the top of your list

It helps to begin your list of resolutions with the fundamentals of safety and compliance. Make sure smoke alarms are professionally checked and serviced, and if your property has a pool, confirm the fencing, gates and inspections meet local requirements. It is also worth going back over your 2025 routine inspection reports. If any small repairs or concerns were raised, dealing with them now avoids the risk of routine matters becoming costly problems.

2. Use available tools and check your minimum standards

Next, take advantage of the tools that support you as a landlord. Your landlord portal is a simple way to access statements, inspections, invoices and lease information at any time. If you have not activated yours yet, make this the year to get connected. While you are reviewing your property, check that it meets the minimum housing standards in your state, including heating, insulation, ventilation, locks and other safety expectations.

3. Stay ahead with preventative maintenance

Prevention also goes a long way. Annual tasks such as gutter cleaning, servicing the air conditioning, pest inspections and clearing drains can all help avoid unexpected damage and tenant disruption. If your property manager recommended these tasks be addressed during the year, treat these as early priorities in 2026.

4. Check rent and lease terms

It is also wise to look at your lease terms and rent to ensure they reflect current market conditions. If your rent has not been reviewed for some time, checking in with your property manager can help you maintain strong returns and avoid unnecessary vacancy. If you are considering capital works or upgrades, aim to bring them forward rather than leaving everything until June. Acting earlier can improve tenant appeal, smooth out scheduling with contractors and help you secure any available tax benefits sooner.

5. Stay bushfire aware

For properties in bushfire prone areas, a seasonal review of safety makes sense. Clearing gutters and external areas of debris can reduce risk as the hotter months arrive.

6. Update your insurance cover

It is also worthwhile to reassess your landlord insurance to confirm it covers areas such as loss of rent, malicious damage, liability and weather impacts. A well-considered insurance policy can make all the difference if the unexpected occurs.

7. Be involved in strata decisions

If your investment is within a strata building, make a point of being involved in the Annual General Meeting (AGMs) or at least reading the minutes. Decisions made at AGMs can influence your individual property’s long term value and liveability, including window and door replacements, capital works budgets, and new sustainability initiatives such as solar installations and even electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Most AGMs are now held online, making it easier for out-of-area landlords to stay involved in decision-making for their strata building.

8. Consider your tax position

Sitting down with your accountant is a smart way to review depreciation schedules and make sure you are maximising deductions, including for any repairs, capital improvements, insurance, interest and other expenses related to your property investment.

2026 Landlord New Year Resolution Checklist

• Ensure smoke alarms and pool safety are up to date
• Review 2025 inspection reports and action outstanding repairs
• Activate and use your landlord portal
• Confirm your property meets minimum housing standards
• Schedule preventative maintenance (gutters, pests, drains)
• Action your property manager’s recommendations
• Bring forward capital works and don’t leave them until June
• Review lease terms and market rent to maximise returns and minimise vacancies
• Stay bushfire aware (where relevant)
• Attend your strata AGM and vote on major decisions
• Sit down with your accountant to review depreciation schedules and confirm you’re maximising deductions
• Review your landlord insurance
• Consider small upgrades to improve tenant appeal
• Review market trends with your property manager

As you wrap up the year and set fresh goals for 2026, ask your friendly Raine & Horne Property Manager for more smart resolutions. They will help you start the new year with confidence and a well-prepared property investment.