As part of the changes being introduced under the Renters' Rights Act, the Government is launching a new registration service for landlords in England called Register Your Rental Property.
The service will sit within the new Private Rented Sector Database, an initiative aimed at increasing transparency, improving property standards and giving local authorities better access to information about privately rented homes.
For landlords, the changes introduce a legal requirement to register eligible rental properties with the Government.
The registration service is scheduled to launch on 15 December 2026, with a phased rollout taking place across England during 2027.
We explain what the new requirements mean for landlords, the registration deadlines to be aware of and how Howards can support you through the changes.
Understanding the new Private Rented Sector Database
The Private Rented Sector Database is a Government registration system being established as part of the Renters' Rights Act reforms.
Landlords with assured or regulated tenancies in England will be required to register their details, together with information about each property they rent out, through the new Register Your Rental Property service.
By bringing this information together in one place, the Government aims to provide greater visibility of the private rental market and help local councils identify properties that may not comply with existing legal standards.
Once the requirements apply in their area, landlords with properties covered by the legislation will have a legal obligation to complete registration.
When will landlords have to register?
Registration is due to begin on 15 December 2026, with the West Midlands becoming the first region where the new service is introduced.
The remaining regions of England will follow in stages throughout 2027. Landlords will have a three-month period in which to register their properties once the requirement takes effect in their region.
The planned registration dates are outlined below:
| Region | Registration Period |
|---|---|
| West Midlands | 15 December 2026 – 14 March 2027 |
| East of England | 15 January – 14 April 2027 |
| East Midlands | 15 February – 14 May 2027 |
| South East | 15 March – 14 June 2027 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 15 April – 14 July 2027 |
| North West | 15 May – 14 August 2027 |
| North East | 15 June – 14 September 2027 |
| London | 15 July – 14 October 2027 |
| South West | 15 August – 14 November 2027 |
It's important to remember that registration deadlines are based on the location of the rental property rather than the landlord's home address.
Landlords with properties in more than one region should therefore check the relevant dates carefully, as they may need to complete registrations at different times.
What is the cost of registering a rental property?
The Government has confirmed an annual registration fee of £65 for each rental property.
Landlords who own more than one property will need to register each eligible property separately, with the annual charge applying to every registration.
As an example, someone letting three properties would face a total yearly registration cost of £195.
What details will landlords need for registration?
Although further guidance is expected, landlords should anticipate having to supply information about themselves, their rental properties and the associated tenancies.
The registration process may also require information relating to key legal and safety responsibilities, such as:
- Gas safety records and requirements
- Electrical safety information
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
- Relevant property and tenancy details
The Government is expected to provide more detailed instructions about the information and documentation needed as the service approaches its launch.
In preparation, landlords may find it helpful to review their existing records and ensure that important property and compliance documents are accurate and readily available.
Will letting agents be able to help with registration?
Under the proposed registration arrangements, landlords will be responsible for initiating and completing the registration process themselves.
Letting agents and property management companies will, however, be able to assist by supplying certain property-related information on a landlord's behalf.
Further Government guidance is expected to clarify the extent of this involvement and how agents will be able to support the process.
For landlords whose properties are managed by Howards, our teams already maintain a range of tenancy, property and compliance records that may be relevant to registration.
We are keeping the requirements under review and will share more information about the assistance available once the Government provides further details.
What should landlords do to prepare?
Landlords do not need to register immediately.
With registration being introduced on a regional basis, property owners will have a designated period in which to complete the process once the new rules apply to their rental properties.
For now, landlords can prepare by checking that their property information is correct, reviewing relevant safety and compliance documentation and keeping informed about the upcoming requirements.
The Government has published further information about the new service on its Register Your Rental Property guidance page.
Supporting Howards landlords through the changes
New legislation can bring additional responsibilities for landlords, and understanding what is required is an important part of managing a rental property successfully.
At Howards, we aim to make it easier for landlords to stay informed about developments affecting the private rented sector and understand how changes may impact their properties.
Our lettings teams are following the latest Government announcements and preparing for the introduction of the new registration requirements.
As the registration process becomes clearer, we'll continue to provide updates to help our landlords understand the steps involved, the deadlines that apply and the support we can offer.
Need advice on letting or managing your rental property?
Whether you're considering letting a property for the first time or would like professional support with an existing tenancy, our local lettings teams are here to help.
We can provide guidance on property management, landlord responsibilities and the changing requirements of the rental market.
Discover more about Howard's lettings and property management services.
Information correct as of 27 October 2026. Registration requirements, fees and Government guidance may be subject to change as the service is rolled out.
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