Attention Private Landlords – Timetable for Private Rented Sector Database Rollout Announced

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ATTENTION PRIVATE LANDLORDS – TIMETABLE FOR PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR DATABASE ROLLOUT ANNOUNCED

- By Glen Herbert, Head of Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Following on from our last blog, the government announced yesterday (9 September 2026) that it intends to roll out the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database on a phased basis by region. It will launch on 15 December 2026, starting in the West Midlands and then rolling out to other areas over the following 12 months. It will now be known as the "Register Your Rental Property" service.

The announcement explains that the obligation to register will initially only apply to PRS landlords with properties actively let, or which become occupied during rollout but there are plans under future legislation where landlords will also be required to register any unoccupied properties before marketing them for let.

Further information and guidance has also been provided by the government:

• Landlords with properties in the relevant region will have a three-month period to sign up. Landlords failing to do so will face sanctions.

• Landlords will need to provide a range of information relating to their properties including relevant gas, electrical and energy performance certificates and will also have to confirm whether the dwelling requires a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence.
• Letting agents and landlords will need to include registration numbers on adverts.

Announced at the same time, HM Revenue and Customs’ Valuation Office will become responsible for decisions on challenges to rent increases in England in an effort to resolve rent disputes faster, but tenants who want to challenge a rent increase must still apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) until these reforms are completed.

ACT NOW TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Don't wait until the rollout starts in your area. Our specialist landlord and tenant team can help you stay compliant, reduce risk, and protect your rental income and keep ahead of the game.
Contact us today to discuss your landlord compliance requirements – Parker Rhodes Hickmotts, 01709 511100. info@prhsolicitors.co.uk