Landlord database to begin in December

The Government’s new landlord database is set to begin this December, with landlords expected to pay £65 per property, per year to register. The database is being introduced as part of phase two of the Renters’ Rights Act and registration will be a legal requirement for private landlords across England. The Government has now confirmed the timetable for the rollout. It will take place region by region over 12 months, starting in the West Midlands on 15 December. Once registration opens in your area, landlords will have a three-month window to complete the process. The national rollout is due to finish on 14 November next year, when all landlords should be registered.

When do I need to register?

The rollout will happen in stages, so your deadline will depend on where your property is located. For properties within the London area the registration date opens on 15th July 2027.  For properties in the South East the registration date starts on 15th March 2027

Do I need to register?

If you’re a private landlord with a property let under an assured or regulated tenancy, you’ll need to register it on the Government’s new Register Your Property Service. This applies to existing tenancies as well as new tenancies agreed during the rollout period. There is one important exception for now: empty properties that are being marketed for rent don’t need to be registered at this stage. That is expected to change in the future. Once the next stage comes into effect, landlords will need a registration number before they can advertise a property for rent. It’s also important to remember that landlords are responsible for registering their own properties. Letting agents won’t be able to complete the registration on your behalf. There are penalties for getting it wrong. Landlords who fail to register could face a civil penalty of up to £7,000, increasing to £40,000 for multiple or ongoing breaches.

What information will I need?

Registration is expected to take place through the Government website, with each property likely to need to be added separately. The Government is due to confirm the final list of information required, but landlords should expect to provide details such as:

• The property address
• The type of ownership, such as freehold, leasehold or commonhold
• The property type, for example detached, semi-detached or terraced
• Whether the property requires or holds a licence
• How many people live at the property and whether it is a house in multiple occupation (HMO)
• The rent amount, including whether bills are included, and how often rent is paid
• Relevant safety documents and certificates, including gas safety, EPC and electrical safety certificates (EICR/EIC)What should landlords do now?

If you’re a landlord, there’s no need to panic, but it’s worth getting organised. Check that your property information is up to date and make sure your relevant certificates and documents are easy to find. Once registration opens in your area, having everything ready should make the process much simpler.

We’ll continue to share updates as more details about the registration process and requirements are confirmed.