Residential landlords: check your regional deadline and prepare to register on the PRS Database from 15 December 2026
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, all landlords of assured or regulated tenancies in England must register on the new Private Rented Sector (PRS) database as it rolls out nationwide. Prospective tenants and local authorities will be able to use the database to view information about landlords and their properties.
Initially, registration will be required only for properties that are let or become occupied during the rollout. Future legislation will extend this requirement to unoccupied properties before they are marketed for letting. Landlords and letting agents will need to include registration numbers in adverts.
A property cannot be marketed for rent unless both the landlord and property have active database entries. These entries must remain up to date throughout the tenancy.
Breaching the database requirements can result in financial penalties of up to £40,000 and may constitute an offence. A breach will also prevent the court from granting a possession order.
The Government has introduced a phased regional registration process through its "Register Your Rental Property" service.
The service will launch in the West Midlands on 15 December 2026 and extend to other regions over the following 12 months. Registration costs £65 per property and must be renewed annually.
Landlords will have three months to register properties in each region as the requirements take effect. Those who miss the deadline will face sanctions.
Landlords must provide various property details, including the rent and relevant gas, electrical and energy performance certificates. They must also confirm whether the property requires a house in multiple occupation (HMO) licence.
Landlords can register from 15 December 2026 but must do so before the deadline for the property’s region:
Region | Regulations take effect | Registration deadline |
West Midlands | 15 December 2026 | 14 March 2027 |
East of England | 15 January 2027 | 14 April 2027 |
East Midlands | 15 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 |
South West | 15 August 2027 | 14 November 2027 |
Landlords need to act now by identifying relevant property, the region deadline and collating the required information.
Agents or property managers will be able to upload some information on a landlord’s behalf, but landlords must begin registration themselves and remain responsible for supplying all required information. The Government will publish guidance for letting agents and property managers before the launch.
For further details, visit GOV.UK: https://housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-changing/get-ready-to-register/
Posted on 21 October, 2026 by Ortolan
