It’s been quite a year already for Lang Town & Country Lettings in 2026!
February 2026 saw the team let more properties than any other agent in Plymouth.
Our 17 agreed lets – compared to the closest rival’s 11, according to Rightmove – made it our best February in three years.
Add to that another win at the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards 2026 for the fifth consecutive year, placing the team among the top 2% of letting agents in the entire UK, and it’s easy to see why Lang Town & Country has become the lettings agent of choice for landlords across Plymouth.
At the heart of it is Claire Wheatley, Lettings Branch Manager at Lang Town & Country.
With over 15 years of industry experience – more than 10 of them with Lang Town & Country – Claire leads a team that has built its reputation on expert knowledge, genuine care for clients, and an ability to navigate an ever-changing lettings landscape.
And right now, that landscape is changing significantly. The Renters’ Rights Act is due to come into force on 1st May 2026, bringing with it some of the most sweeping reforms the private rented sector has seen in a generation.
Here, Claire talks about her journey, what makes the Lang Town & Country lettings team tick, and how we are helping landlords prepare for the changes ahead.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your journey into the lettings industry?
I’ve been working in the property industry for over 15 years now and have been with Lang Town & Country Lettings for over 10 years. My journey started as an administrator in another lettings company – it was here that I developed a real passion for helping people.
What I enjoy about the lettings industry is how dynamic it is – no two days are ever the same. I enjoy building relationships with both landlords and tenants and helping to make the whole process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Over time, I’ve gained experience in everything from property marketing and tenant referencing to compliance and property management, which has given me a well-rounded understanding of the sector.
It’s been a really rewarding journey so far, and I’m always looking to continue learning and growing within the industry.
2. What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me as Branch Manager at Lang Town & Country is really varied, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role.
My day usually starts with checking in with the team – going over priorities, new enquiries, and making sure everything is running smoothly. From there, I’ll review any new instructions, keep an eye on property listings, and make sure our marketing is performing well.
A big part of my role is supporting both landlords and tenants, so I’ll often be speaking with clients, offering advice, and helping to resolve any issues that come up. I’m also involved in overseeing compliance, ensuring we’re up to date with legislation and that all properties meet the required standards.
Alongside that, I spend time looking at business development – building relationships, bringing on new landlords, and identifying opportunities to grow the portfolio.
No two days are ever the same, but it’s that mix of team leadership, client interaction, and problem-solving that makes the role so rewarding.
3. What do you think sets the Lang Town & Country lettings team apart from other agents in Plymouth?
A key factor is our depth of experience and local knowledge. Between the team, we’ve got decades of experience in the Plymouth market, which means we can give genuinely informed, honest advice – whether that’s around pricing, legislation, or investment opportunities.
We’re also incredibly proud of our customer service standards. It’s something the business has built its reputation on, and it’s a big reason why we’ve been recognised nationally, including being ranked among the top agents in the UK and winning awards multiple years in a row. But ultimately, what really makes the difference is the team itself. We genuinely care about what we do, we’re proactive, and we go the extra mile to make sure our clients feel supported from start to finish.
4. The Renters’ Rights Act is due to come into force on 1 May 2026. For landlords who aren’t familiar with it, can you explain what it means for them?
For landlords who may not be familiar with it, the Renters’ Rights Act represents one of the biggest changes to the lettings sector in recent years, so it’s really important to understand what’s coming and how it may affect you – and we are here to offer advice.
One of the headline changes is the removal of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, meaning landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without a valid reason. Instead, all tenancies will effectively become periodic, and possession will need to be gained through specific grounds – such as selling the property, moving back in, or in cases of rent arrears or breach of tenancy.
Another key area is property standards and compliance. The Act is expected to introduce stricter requirements around the condition of rental properties, alongside a new landlord ombudsman and a national register, which will mean greater transparency and accountability across the industry.
For landlords, this doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to invest – but it does mean that being compliant, well-informed, and proactive is more important than ever. Working with a professional lettings team can really help navigate these changes, ensure everything is set up correctly, and ultimately protect both your investment and your relationship with your tenants.
In simple terms, the legislation is designed to provide greater security and fairness for tenants, while also raising standards across the private rented sector.
5. What are the biggest changes landlords need to be aware of and prepare for before May?
I think the biggest thing for landlords to understand is that this is a really significant shift in how lettings work, so it’s all about being prepared rather than caught off guard.
The headline change is the removal of Section 21, so landlords will no longer be able to regain possession without a valid reason. That means everything will need to be done through specific legal grounds, so having the right processes and documentation in place becomes much more important.
Another big change is that all tenancies will move to periodic agreements, rather than fixed terms. So tenants will have more flexibility to leave, and for landlords it becomes much more about building strong, long-term relationships and retaining good tenants.
There are also tighter rules around things like rent increases – they’ll be limited to once per year and need to be clearly justified at market value – as well as changes to how properties are marketed, with things like rental bidding being banned.
We’re also seeing stronger tenant rights coming in, for example around requesting pets, and a bigger focus on fairness and transparency across the board.
So, in terms of preparation, I’d say landlords should really be looking at their current tenancies, making sure everything is compliant, and getting familiar with the new rules now rather than later.
Ultimately, it’s not about it being a negative change – it just means the industry is becoming more structured and professional, and with the right support, landlords can absolutely continue to succeed.
6. Some landlords might be feeling nervous or overwhelmed by the changes. What would you say to reassure them?
That’s completely understandable – any big change in legislation can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially when it affects something as important as your investment.
What I’d say is that, while the Renters’ Rights Act is a significant shift, it’s not about making things harder for landlords – it’s about creating a more consistent and transparent framework for everyone.
The key is preparation and understanding what’s changing. Once you’re familiar with the new processes – particularly around tenancies and gaining possession – it becomes much more manageable. In many ways, good landlords who are already doing things properly will find they’re not having to change as much as they might think.
You’re also not expected to navigate it all on your own. Working with an experienced lettings team means you’ve got support with compliance, advice when regulations change, and someone to guide you through any challenges.
So rather than seeing it as something to worry about, I’d encourage landlords to see it as an opportunity to future-proof their investment, raise standards, and build even stronger relationships with their tenants.
7. How is Lang Town & Country helping landlords get ready for the transition ahead of the deadline?
That’s something we’ve been really focused on as a business, because we know a lot of landlords are feeling uncertain about what’s ahead.
From a management perspective, we’re handling a lot of the details for them. That includes things like serving the correct notices, advising on the right grounds for possession, and managing any tenant communication or issues, so landlords don’t have to navigate those changes alone. We’re also continuing to offer rent protection and full management services, which gives landlords that extra peace of mind – especially with some of the uncertainty around possession and income under the new system.
At Lang Town & Country, we’re taking a very hands-on, proactive approach to make sure our landlords feel fully supported and prepared. A big part of that is keeping them informed – we’re providing clear, up-to-date guidance on what’s changing and what it means in practical terms, so nothing comes as a surprise.
Ultimately, our goal is to take the stress out of it. With the right guidance and support, this transition can be really smooth – and that’s exactly what we’re here to deliver.
8. For landlords who manage their own properties, what are the risks of navigating the Renters’ Rights Act without professional support?
For landlords managing their own properties, the main risks are making mistakes with notices, tenancy agreements, or rent increases, which could lead to legal issues or delays in regaining possession. There’s also the time and stress of keeping up with all the new rules.
Working with a professional lettings team removes that pressure – they make sure everything’s compliant, protect your investment, and give you peace of mind during the transition.
9. What’s your advice for anyone who is thinking about becoming a landlord for the first time in the current climate?
For anyone thinking about becoming a landlord for the first time right now, my main advice would be to plan carefully and get informed before you start. The lettings landscape is changing, so understanding the rules, your responsibilities, and the risks is crucial.
Work out your finances realistically, including things like maintenance costs, insurance, and potential periods without tenants. It’s also really important to know the market – what rents are realistic, and what tenants are looking for.
Finally, don’t try to navigate it alone. Working with a professional lettings team can make a huge difference – they can guide you on compliance, marketing, tenant management, and help protect your investment from day one.
Approached the right way, becoming a landlord can still be a rewarding and profitable experience.
10. Finally, what’s next for you and the lettings team at Lang Town & Country?
Looking ahead, we’re focused on supporting landlords and tenants through the new changes and continuing to deliver a reliable, stress-free lettings service.
For me, it’s about developing the team, sharing our expertise, and helping landlords feel confident in this evolving market.
Thinking about letting your property – or need help with the Renters’ Rights Act?
Whether you’re a landlord considering renting out your property for the first time, or an existing landlord looking for guidance on what the Renters’ Rights Act means for you, Claire and the team at Lang Town & Country Lettings are here to help.
Get in touch today on 01752 201010, email enquiries@langtownandcountry.com or drop us a message here.
https://www.langtownandcountry.com/letting-agent-plymouth/lettings-enquiries/
