Renters’ Rights Act, launch of the private rented sector database and what landlords need to know

What is the Private Rented Sector (PRS) database? 

The Government believes the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database will improve transparency and accountability within the private rented sector. Landlords will be required to register themselves and their rental properties, providing key information such as landlord contact details, property and occupancy information, relevant safety certificates, and any applicable licensing requirements. They will also be responsible for keeping this information accurate and up to date.

Registration on the PRS Database will be mandatory for landlords. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action by local authorities, including civil penalties ranging from £7,000 for an initial breach to £40,000 for serious, repeated or ongoing non-compliance, as well as potential restrictions on letting a property. Compliance with the database is also expected to be a prerequisite for landlords seeking a possession order.

Who needs to register and how?

Registration will apply to all private landlords actively letting residential property in England, subject to very limited exemptions, regardless of whether they own a single rental property or a larger portfolio, or whether the property is let in their own name or through a company.

The legal responsibility for registration rests with the landlord. Letting agents will not be able to register on a landlord's behalf, although landlords may authorise their agent to upload certain property information as part of the registration process.

The service will be rolled out across England on a phased basis, with registration requirements taking effect at different times depending on the location of the property. Those with properties in the West Midlands and East of England should prioritise their preparations, as these regions will be the first to come within the new regime. The Government's "Register your rental property" service is due to launch on 15 December 2026 in the West Midlands and on 15 January 2027 in the East of England.

What information will landlords need to provide?

Landlords will need to provide information including their name or organisation details, contact information and the address of each rental property. They will also need to provide details about the property and its occupancy, such as whether it is furnished, partly furnished or unfurnished, together with relevant safety information and details of any licences that apply, such as a House in Multiple Occupation licence (HMO).

Registration will cost £65 per property per year, so landlords with multiple properties should factor this into their compliance costs. Having the relevant information and documentation readily available ahead of registration should help ensure the process is straightforward and avoid unnecessary delays. Landlords can reduce the risk of delays, compliance issues and potential enforcement action by taking the following steps now:

• Identifying which of their rental properties are located within the initial rollout areas.

• Reviewing property compliance records.

• Checking that EPC, gas safety and electrical safety documentation is up to date.

• Confirming whether any licensing requirements apply to their properties.

• Ensuring landlord and property information is accurate and readily available.

• Making arrangements to register promptly once the service opens.

Looking ahead

The introduction of the PRS Database represents one of the most significant administrative changes for landlords under the Renters' Rights Act. With registration opening in the West Midlands on 15 December 2026, landlords should not view compliance as a last-minute exercise.

Landlords should check whether any of their properties fall within one of the 30 local authority areas included in the initial West Midlands rollout and ensure they have the information and documentation required to register before the 14 March 2027 deadline.

While the rollout will take place in phases, landlords across England would be well advised to start preparing now. Reviewing property records, licensing arrangements and safety documentation well in advance should help identify any compliance gaps and avoid unnecessary difficulties once registration becomes mandatory. Those who take proactive steps now are likely to find the transition significantly smoother than those who wait until their registration deadline approaches.

Landlords are also encouraged to sign up to GOV.UK Alerts to receive notifications when further guidance and implementation updates are published.

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