Landlords in England are facing another significant change under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, with the Government confirming that a new national landlord registration service will begin rolling out from 15th December 2026.
The new ‘Register your rental property’ service will ultimately require private landlords to register themselves and the properties they let.
For landlords already adapting to major changes introduced by the Renters' Rights Act, the new database represents another important compliance requirement.
When will landlords need to register?
The database will not be introduced across England simultaneously.
The Government has confirmed that registration will begin in the West Midlands on 15th December 2026, before being introduced region by region over the following 12 months.
Once landlords in a particular area are called forward, they will have a three-month period to register.
Registration deadlines are based on your property’s location – for example, if you live in London but your rental property is in Birmingham, then you’ll need to meet the deadline for registering in the West Midlands.
All landlords actively letting properties in England are expected to have registered by 14th November 2027.
Registration will be a legal requirement, and landlords will also be required to pay an annual fee. The annual registration fee will be £65.00 per property.
At the moment Landlords are currently required to register the property that they are currently letting out to Tenants. Under future legislation landlords will be required to register any unoccupied properties before they are marketed to let by Letting Agents.
Register your rental property’ service – Registration deadlines
|
Region |
Date regulations commence |
Deadline to register |
|
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 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 |
What information will landlords need to provide?
The Government's implementation plans indicate that landlords will be required to provide key information about themselves and each property they let.
This is expected to include:
- Landlords contact details, including information about joint landlords
- The property's address and type
- Number of bedrooms
- Information about occupation and furnishing
- Gas safety information
- Electrical safety information
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) details.
The Government says the database is intended to provide tenants with greater transparency, help responsible landlords understand and demonstrate compliance, and give local authorities better information to target enforcement.
Further regulations will provide more detail about exactly what landlords will be required to supply.
What happens if a landlord does not register?
Landlords should take the new requirement seriously, as failure to register when required could result in financial penalties.
The Renters' Rights Act also links database compliance to a landlord's ability to obtain possession of a property. In certain circumstances, a court will be prevented from granting a possession order if the landlord has failed to ensure there is an active database entry.
This makes keeping registration information accurate and up to date particularly important.
What should landlords do now?
There is no need for every landlord to register immediately. Instead, landlords should monitor the Government's regional rollout and make sure they know when properties in their area become subject to the requirement.
In the meantime, landlords can use the opportunity to review their portfolios and ensure that important documentation is complete and current.
This could include checking tenancy documentation, EPCs, gas and electrical safety records and other information that may ultimately be required for registration.
It is also worth reviewing compliance more widely. The database forms part of a much broader package of reforms introduced by the Renters' Rights Act, including changes to tenancy arrangements, possession procedures and rent increases.
How Coles Miller can help landlords
The Renters' Rights Act has brought some of the most significant changes to the private rented sector in decades. For landlords, understanding the new requirements and getting procedures right will be increasingly important.
Coles Miller's experienced Property and Landlord & Tenant teams can advise landlords on their legal responsibilities and help them navigate the changing regulatory landscape.
We can assist with the review of the tenancy documentation and compliance, possession proceedings, rent arrears and disputes, as well as wider property matters.
Our lawyers act for residential landlords as well as commercial landlords and tenants, providing practical advice aimed at resolving issues efficiently and avoiding unnecessary disputes wherever possible.
If you own or manage rental property and are unsure how the Renters' Rights Act or the new registration requirements may affect you, contact Coles Miller Solicitors for advice.
