The Next Phase of the Renters’ Rights Act: What Landlords Need to Know
The Government has confirmed the next major milestone in the Renters’ Rights Act 2025: the launch of the new ‘Register Your Rental Property’ service. Rolling out from 15 December 2026, this compulsory national database will require landlords to register themselves and each property they let, creating a centralised record of rented homes across England. The aim is to give tenants greater transparency, support local authority enforcement, and ensure landlords are meeting their legal obligations.
For landlords, this marks a significant shift. Registration will be mandatory, subject to an annual fee, and enforced through civil penalties and, in some cases, criminal proceedings. As such, early preparation will be vital.
What is the new ‘Register Your Rental Property’ service?
The database – previously referred to as the Private Rented Sector (PRS) database – will record every landlord letting assured or regulated tenancies, along with detailed information about each property. It is designed to give tenants access to key compliance information and to provide local authorities with a powerful tool for identifying non‑compliance. The Government has confirmed that the service will begin operating on 15 December 2026, with registration becoming a legal requirement region by region.
Who must register?
Registration will apply to landlords of assured tenancies, regulated tenancies under the Rent Act 1977, and the new assured periodic tenancies (APTs). It will also apply to assured shorthold tenancies that automatically convert to APTs on 1 May 2026. Where a property has multiple landlords, each landlord must register individually, although they may share a single property entry.
The only exemption applies to supported exempt accommodation under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.
When does registration start?
Once a region’s regulations take effect, landlords will have three months to register.
| Region | Registration opens | Registration closes |
| West Midlands | 15 December 2026 | 14 March 2027 |
| East of England | 15 January 2027 | 14 April 2027 |
| East Midlands | 15 February 2027 | 14 May 2027 |
| South East | 15 March 2027 | 14 June 2027 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 15 April 2027 | 14 July 2027 |
| North West | 15 May 2027 | 14 August 2027 |
| North East | 15 June 2027 | 14 September 2027 |
| London | 15 July 2027 | 14 October 2027 |
| South West | 15 August 2027 | 14 November 2027 |
Landlords with properties in multiple regions may register their entire portfolio from 15 December 2026, provided each property meets its regional deadline.
What will registration cost?
Landlords will pay an annual fee of £65 per property. During the initial rollout, fees will be pro‑rated so that landlords in early‑phase regions are not disadvantaged.
What information will landlords need to provide?
Landlords will need to supply detailed information about both the property and the tenancy. This includes the property’s address, ownership, dwelling type, number of bedrooms, and whether it is currently let. For occupied properties, landlords must provide information about the number of occupants and households, any licensing requirements (including HMO, selective, or additional licensing), the rent amount and payment frequency, whether utilities are included, and whether the property is furnished.
Safety documentation will also be required. Landlords must upload gas safety certificates, electrical safety documentation (EICR/EIC), the property’s EPC rating, and details of any Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards(MEES) exemptions where the EPC falls below the minimum standard. The Government has indicated that tenants will eventually be able to view certain compliance information through the service.
Can managing agents handle registration?
Managing agents may be authorised to provide some of the required information, but the landlord must initiate and complete the registration process. Responsibility for compliance cannot be delegated.
What happens if landlords do not register?
Once the three‑month window closes, local authorities will be able to issue civil penalties for failure to register. Providing false or misleading information may result in criminal fines of up to £40,000. Once the scheme is fully operational, landlords will also need valid registration details to advertise a property; marketing a property without them will be unlawful.
What should landlords do now?
Although registration is not yet open, landlords should begin preparations. This includes auditing property and tenancy records, ensuring safety documentation is up to date, identifying regional deadlines for each property, confirming licensing requirements and gathering rent and occupancy details.
Landlords should also review EPC ratings and MEES exemptions and discuss information‑gathering processes with managing agents. Early preparation will help avoid delays once the database goes live.
How Attwaters can help
The next phase of the Renters’ Rights Act introduces significant new compliance obligations for landlords. Our Dispute Resolution Team can advise on preparing for registration, understanding licensing and safety requirements, managing enforcement risks, and developing compliance strategies for your portfolio.
If you need guidance on the new register or wider Renters’ Rights Act reforms, please call us now on 0330 221 8855 or email us at disputeresolution@attwaters.co.uk.
