The New Private Rented Sector Database: What You Need to Know

As part of Phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords in England will be required to register themselves and their rental properties on a new government database, known as the Private Rented Sector Database.

The new 'Register Your Rental Property Service' is scheduled to open on 15 December 2026, with registration deadlines varying by region. The first deadline applies to the West Midlands, where registration must be completed by 14 March 2027.

Here’s what you need to know about the new requirements and how you can prepare.

Key Things You Need to Know

• Registration: You will need to register yourself as a landlord and create a separate property record, known as a dwelling entry, for each rental property you own.
• Registration fees: An annual fee of approximately £65 per property is expected.
• Registration numbers: You will receive a unique Landlord Registration Number, and each registered property will have its own Property Registration Number.
• Vacant properties: These may also need to be registered when they are subsequently let under an assured tenancy.
• How to register: Registration is expected to be available through GOV.UK, with further guidance and access to the registration portal due to be published closer to launch.

What If You Jointly Own a Property?

If you jointly own a rental property with another landlord, each of you will need to complete your own landlord registration.

However, only one property entry needs to be created for the property, which will then be linked to each joint landlord's registration.

Keeping Your Registration Up to Date

Once your property is registered, you will need to maintain an active database entry throughout the tenancy. This includes renewing your registration annually and ensuring your property information remains accurate.

You will also need to update your database record within 28 days if certain details change, including:

• Gas and electrical safety certificates: When certificates are renewed.
• Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): When you obtain a new EPC or register a new exemption from the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
• Rent: When the rent changes.
• Occupancy: When the number of occupiers at your property changes.

Keeping your records up to date will be an important part of meeting your ongoing responsibilities as a landlord.

What Happens If You Do Not Register?

It is important to understand your obligations and ensure you comply with the new requirements. Depending on the circumstances, failure to register could result in:

• Financial penalties of up to £40,000.
• Rent Repayment Orders.
• Restrictions on obtaining possession of your property.

Register Dates by Region

How We Can Help

We will continue to monitor developments and keep you informed as further guidance becomes available. Although you must complete your own registration, we can help by providing relevant property and tenancy information where permitted and offering guidance on the new requirements. In the meantime, please ensure your property and tenancy records are up to date ahead of registration opening.

If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help.