Private Rented Sector Database: What you need to know

In that spirit, the government is introducing a centralised database that lists all private landlords and their properties. This will be gradually rolled out across England from the end of 2026.

While the exact timeline is yet to be confirmed, let’s look at what we can expect from this change.

The aim of the database

The Private Rented Sector (PRS) database will replace fragmented records and rogue landlord lists with a single online register of all landlords and rental properties. Here are some of the expected benefits:

• When a tenant considers a new home, they can use the database to make sure the property is registered and see if there have been any issues. For example, there will be a record of civil penalties, banning orders and relevant offences the landlord has been charged with. Potential tenants can also check that the property meets compliance standards and has a valid Gas Safe certificate.
• Local councils can more easily track any problems with properties and enforce housing standards.
• Although landlords will have more admin and a registration fee, they should benefit from a single point of reference for compliance, including information on any legal requirements and regulatory changes. By highlighting rogue landlords, the database will support the ones who do a good job of looking after their tenants and properties.

How the database will work

Each home will have a unique property reference number (UPRN), giving it a traceable digital identity. It will be a landlord’s responsibility to register their properties and provide the necessary details before they advertise or let them out.

The necessary info will include:

• Ownership and landlord details, including name, contact info and proof of identity
• Property details such as the address, type and the number of bedrooms
• Compliance documents, including for the EPC rating, Gas Safety and smoke/CO alarms
• Management arrangements if a letting agent is involved
• Confirmation that legal requirements are followed, such as deposit protection

According to the government website, the registration fee will be ‘proportionate and good value’.

An unregistered landlord cannot serve a valid Section 8 possession notice, cannot instruct a letting agent, and cannot renew an HMO licence.

What’s more, if landlords fail to comply with these new rules or provide misleading information, local authorities can issue fines of up to £7,000 – and up to £40,000 for repeated breaches or deliberate fraud, and there’s the possibility of criminal prosecution too.

Watch this space for further news

The exact dates and deadlines for signing up to the PRS register are yet to be confirmed. Keep your eye out for government updates over the next few months. We’ll continue to share guidance on the Renters’ Rights Act here on the Winkworth blog, including details on the mandatory Ombudsman Scheme and on Awaab’s Law.