The private rented sector database set to launch this December

From 15 December 2026, private landlords in England will be legally required to register themselves and every rental property they let on a new national digital register. Introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act, the service is formally known as the Private Rented Sector Database but has now been publicly branded as the ‘Register your rental property’ service.  

Read this guide below to learn what this new database means for landlords. 

What is the ‘Register your rental property’ service? 

The ‘Register your rental property’ service is a mandatory national digital register for private landlords in England. Introduced as part of phase two of the Renters’ Rights Act’s three-phased implementation, the database is designed to increase transparency across the private rented sector. It gives local councils a clearer picture of who owns and manages rental properties, and whether they are meeting their legal obligations. 

For landlords and letting agents, registration is mandatory. Once a property’s regional deadline passes, continuing to let an unregistered property will constitute a breach of the law. 

When does registration open? 

The service opens on 15 December 2026, with landlords in the West Midlands being the first required to sign up. Rather than launching nationwide on a single date, the government is rolling the requirement out region by region. This phased approach aims to prevent the system from being overwhelmed while giving landlords adequate time to prepare. 

The regional rollout concludes on 14 November 2027, by which point all rental properties across England must be registered. 

Key timing factors to keep in mind include: 

• Location-based deadlines: Deadlines are determined by where the property is located, not where the landlord or letting agent is based. If you own properties in multiple regions, you must track separate deadlines for each location. 

• Early registration: Landlords do not have to wait for their specific region’s deadline. The service accepts registrations from 15 December 2026 regardless of property location, allowing you to get ahead of the curve. 

Registration deadlines: 

How much does registration cost? 

Registering as a landlord on the service is free. However, each rental property must be registered individually at a cost of £65 per property per year. 

This is an annual fee that must be renewed each year the property is actively rented out or advertised for rent. Landlords who fail to maintain an active registration while letting a property risk being fined. For landlords with larger portfolios, this fee applies to every single property unit, so it is important to factor these recurring charges into your annual business budget.  

What information will landlords need to provide? 

To use the database, landlords will be legally required to log in using a a GOV.UK One Login. While the full technical layout is being finalised, the government has already confirmed that landlords will need to provide:  

• Identity details: Full landlord identity and verified contact information 

• Property details: The property address and key structural details 

• Agent information: Details of any letting agent acting on the landlord’s behalf 

• Compliance data: Tenancy information and relevant safety certificates, including gas safety records and electrical inspection reports 

Registration is not a one-off administrative task. The data must be kept up to date, meaning landlords should treat the database as an ongoing compliance responsibility rather than a single checklist item. 

Enforcement: fines and local council powers 

Local councils will use the database to monitor compliance in their areas. Landlords who fail to register their properties, or who let their annual registration lapse, face civil penalties of up to £7,000. 

As with other compliance requirements under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords should treat registration as a foundational legal obligation rather than an administrative formality. Councils will have access to the database to cross-reference local housing records and identify properties that are not registered. 

How to prepare now 

With the service launching on 15 December 2026 and regional deadlines running through to 14 November 2027, landlords and agents have time to prepare. Practical steps to take now include: 

• Map your deadlines: Confirm which region each property falls into and note its specific registration deadline 

• Set up your access: Register for a GOV.UK One Login account ahead of time if you do not already have one 

• Gather your data: Assemble all essential property specifics (occupants, bedrooms, rent amounts) and tenancy information 

• Coordinate with agents: Agree on who will manage the database. Remember that landlords must personally initiate the initial system setup before agents or property managers can log in to upload information 

Registering early, rather than waiting until the regional deadline, is a straightforward way to avoid last minute pressure as the rollout progresses. 

Keep up to date 

As the government releases further operational details, we will continue to publish updates and guidance. Be sure to check our content hub regularly to stay informed and ensure your portfolio remains fully compliant.