Landlords will need to register on a new national database as the second phase of the Renters' Rights Act comes into force. Manjit Kataora, Foxtons Director of Legal and Compliance, explains what information is required and when landlords need to act.
The government has announced the dates by which landlords will need to register their personal and property details on the national landlord database.
The database forms the second phase of the reforms introduced by the Renters' Rights Act. The first phase, implemented in May this year, brought significant changes to private sector assured tenancies.
Known as the “Register Your Rental Property Service”, the database will be rolled out in phases across England.
Aims and objectives
The database has three principal objectives:
What information will landlords need to provide?
Individual landlords
Individual landlords will be required to provide:
Corporate landlords
Corporate landlords will be required to provide:
Tenancy information
Regardless of whether the landlord is an individual or organisation, the following tenancy information must also be provided:
Landlords will also be required to upload relevant safety documentation, including gas safety certificates, electrical safety certificates and EPC information.
Who is responsible for entering the information?
Even where a landlord uses a letting agent, the landlord will be responsible for initiating the registration process.
However, further details are expected regarding the extent to which letting agents will be able to upload information and manage registrations on behalf of landlords.
Are there any costs?
Yes. An annual registration fee of £65 per property will apply. The fee is payable for each registration and must be renewed every year.
What happens if I do not register?
A property cannot be lawfully let unless the required database registration has been completed.
Landlords who fail to register risk financial penalties as well as delays in letting their properties, potentially leading to extended void periods and loss of rental income.
What are the deadlines?
The service will be rolled out in phases beginning on 5 December 2026. From each regional launch date, landlords will have a three-month registration window.
Landlords may register at any time from the applicable start date, provided registration is completed before the relevant deadline.
| Region | Start date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|
| West Midlands | 15 December | 14 March 2027 |
| East of England | 15 January 2027 | 14 April 2027 |
| East Midlands | 5 February 2027 | 14 May 2027 |
| South East | 15 March 2027 | 14 June 2027 |
| Yorkshire and Humber | 15 April 2027 | 14 July 2027 |
| North West | 15 May 2027 | 14 August 2027 |
| North East | 15 June 2027 | 14 September 2027 |
| London | 15 July 2027 | 14 October 2027 |
It is important to note that the relevant deadline is determined by the location of the rental property, not the landlord's residence. For example, a landlord living in London but letting a property in Birmingham must comply with the West Midlands registration timetable.
Key takeaway
Landlords should begin preparing now by ensuring they have ready access to ownership details, tenancy information, licensing records and safety certificates. Early preparation will help avoid delays, ensure compliance and minimise the risk of enforcement action once registration opens in their region.
Source: This article draws on Foxtons' Legal and Compliance team, led by Manjit Kataora, who track incoming lettings legislation so you have the best information in hand right when you need it. If you have any questions on this article, email us to ask a Foxtons expert.
