The Renters' Rights Act 2025 establishes a new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Landlord Database for England. All private landlords will be required to register, providing details of their properties and management arrangements. Tenants will be able to search the database to verify landlord registration before signing a tenancy agreement. Unregistered landlords face civil penalties and potential rent repayment orders.
The landlord database provisions are in the Renters' Rights Act 2025 but have not yet commenced. The government has indicated a phased rollout through late 2026. LetSafe UK will update this guide as soon as registration opens.
Who must register?
- All private landlords in England with at least one private rented property.
- Property agents who manage private rented properties on behalf of landlords must also register separately.
- Landlords of social housing, commercial property, or properties let to family members at below-market rent may be exempt, exact exemptions will be confirmed in secondary legislation.
- Non-resident (overseas) landlords with property in England must also register.
What information must landlords provide?
- Full name and contact details of the landlord.
- Address of each private rented property.
- Name and contact details of any property agent managing the property.
- Type of tenancy (Periodic Assured Tenancy from 1 May 2026 onwards).
- The database registration number must be included in all future tenancy agreements and advertisements.
Penalties for non-registration
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 creates a civil penalty regime for non-registration. Local authorities are the enforcement body. Maximum civil penalty for non-registration is £7,000 for a first breach, rising to £40,000 for repeat or serious breaches. Courts can also make a Rent Repayment Order requiring landlords to repay up to 12 months' rent to the tenant.
Impact on tenancy agreements and advertising
- Once the database is live, all new tenancy agreements must include the landlord's PRS database registration number.
- Property advertisements (online portals, agents' windows) must display the registration number.
- Landlords who cannot produce a registration number may find tenants are unwilling to proceed, and portals may require it for listing.
- LetSafe UK's PRS Database Registration Pack (LS-E-023, £9) provides a step-by-step registration guide and tenancy agreement addendum for adding the registration number.
LetSafe UK will publish guidance as soon as the registration portal opens and timescales are confirmed. Subscribe to the LetSafe UK landlord newsletter to be notified.