What is the Property Portal and what does RRA 2025 require landlords to do
The Property Portal (Private Rented Sector Database) is established under RRA 2025 Part 2. All private landlords in England must register before granting a new tenancy. Each property is registered separately. The obligation applies to new tenancies from the implementation date and, via a transition period, to existing tenancies.
- Who must register: all private landlords of residential property in England (individual, corporate, portfolio)
- Information required: landlord name/address/contact; property address; EPC rating and expiry; gas safety certificate status; EICR status; HMO licence number if applicable
- Registration number: issued per property; must be included in tenancy advertisements and tenancy agreements
- Keeping registration current: update when any registered information changes (certificate renewals, ownership changes)
Civil penalties for failing to register — landlords and letting agents
Civil penalties enforced by local housing authorities: landlords who let without registering face up to £5,000 (first offence) or £30,000 (repeat, within 5 years). Letting agents who let or market an unregistered property face up to £7,500. Non-registration is also a Rent Repayment Order trigger offence — combined exposure (civil penalty plus RTO) can be substantial. Repeat offences may trigger banning order applications.
Tenant rights via the Property Portal — transparency and pre-tenancy checks
Prospective tenants can search the portal by property address to verify registration and compliance certificate currency before signing. Tenancy agreements must include the property registration number. The portal enables proactive local authority enforcement without relying on tenant complaints.
Property Portal rollout timetable and what landlords should do now
The Property Portal is being implemented in phases by MHCLG. New tenancies are subject to registration from the commencement date in each area; existing tenancies have a transition period. The portal and mandatory PRS ombudsman membership requirements are on the same commencement schedule. Landlords should audit compliance certificates now, ensure HMO licences are current, and register promptly when the portal opens.