Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (“the Act”), from 15 December 2026, landlords of assured and regulated tenancies will be required to register themselves and each property they let by the applicable regional deadline. In accordance with the Private Rented Sector Database Regulations 2026, these provisions will come into effect in each region on that region’s commencement date.
Joint landlords will need to register individually, although they may share a single property entry. Certain exemptions apply, and supported exempt accommodation will not initially need to be registered.
The deadlines for registrations will vary across regions in England. The rollout will start in the West Midlands on 15 December 2026 and will continue regionally over the approximate 12-month period, ending by 14 November 2027. Landlords will generally have three months to register their let properties after their region starts the scheme. The annual registration fee will be £65 per property.
Registration will be a legal requirement which means that failing to comply or providing false or misleading information may expose landlords to a range of consequences.
Under section 91 of the Act, a local housing authority may impose a civil penalty of up to £7,000 for a basic breach of the registration requirements (for example, failing to register, marketing without an active entry, or failing to update a record), rising to up to £40,000 where the conduct amounts to an offence under section 92, which includes knowingly or recklessly providing false or misleading information, or continuing to breach the requirements after an earlier penalty or conviction.
Such an offence can alternatively be prosecuted, with a person convicted on summary conviction liable to a fine.
In addition, a tenant may apply for a rent repayment order under section 98 where the landlord has knowingly or recklessly provided false information or has failed to register within 28 days of a penalty or conviction.
Further, under section 90 of the Act a court cannot generally make a possession order whilst the landlord lacks both an active landlord entry and an active dwelling entry (other than on anti-social behaviour grounds – statutory grounds 7A and/or 14).
The purpose of this scheme is to provide private renters with more transparency when choosing a home. Tenants will be able to check if landlords are registered with the scheme and whether they comply with their statutory obligations. Landlords will need to provide information on the let property, including confirmation of ownership, occupancy details as well as the current rent charged. They must also submit compliance and safety documentation such as a current EPC, Gas Safety Certificate, electrical safety documentation and evidence of the property’s overall condition.
Managing agents can assist landlords with gathering information and documentation, however the ultimate responsibility will remain with the landlords to ensure timely registration. Landlords should start identifying their regional deadline and getting all necessary documents ready for submission and registration. Portfolio landlords do not need to wait for each regional commencement date, and they may start registering their properties across England as early as 15 December 2026.
Alongside the registration service, the Government has also announced a change to how rent increase challenges will be handled. HM Revenue and Customs’ Valuation Office Agency (“VOA”) will become responsible for decisions on challenges to rent increases in England, with the stated aim of resolving such disputes more quickly and alleviate pressure on the First-tier Tribunal. It is not yet clear when this will take effect, so for the time being, tenants who wish to challenge a rent increase must continue to apply to the First-tier Tribunal.
To discuss any of the points above or to obtain advice on property matters, please contact Tatsiana Rao, a Senior Associate in our Property Dispute Resolution team, or fill out the form below.
Please note that the above does not constitute legal advice. The information is accurate as of 12 October 2026.
