Private Rented Sector Database - Renters' Rights Act 2025
The Renters' Rights Act Phase 2: From late 2026
The Private Rented Sector Database
The Renters' Rights Act will introduce a new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database. All landlords of assured and regulated tenancies will be legally required to register themselves and their properties on the Database and could be subject to penalties if they market or let out a property without registering it and providing the required information.
The Database will provide a 'one stop shop' for landlords allowing them to access relevant guidance through a single 'front door'. This will provide the basis for an effective service, helping landlords understand their obligations and demonstrate compliance. The Database will also be used for communicating changes to requirements – ensuring landlords have access to simple up-to-date information about their responsibilities.
For tenants, the Database will increase transparency and the information available before they decide to rent a property and throughout their renting journey. This will allow them to take effective action to enforce their rights and be aware when they can escalate issues with their property to their local council or the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.
The Database will provide local councils with more data about private rented sector properties. One of the biggest and most time-consuming barriers faced by local councils is identifying poor quality and non-compliant private rented sector properties and who owns them. The Database will provide a trusted and consistent intelligence source which will remove unnecessary, frustrating administration, meaning council staff will be able to focus on enforcement against criminal landlords.
The Database will commence roll out from late 2026. Signing up to the PRS Database will be mandatory for all private rented sector landlords who will be required to pay an annual fee which will be confirmed closer to launch.
Landlords will be required to provide information for each property they rent out. This is likely to include:
- The landlords contact details
- Certain information about each property
- Safety information such as the property’s gas, electric and energy performance certificates
Private Rented Sector Database: user research privacy notice - GOV.UK
The Private Rented Sector (PRS) Landlord Ombudsman
The Ombudsman will provide a redress service for private rented sector tenants when things go wrong.
It will also support landlords with tools, guidance and training on handling complaints from tenants.
The Ombudsman scheme will be mandatory for PRS landlords. Landlords will be required to fund the service through a fair and proportionate charging model which will be confirmed closer to launch.
The Ombudsman service will happen in stages after the introduction of the PRS Database.
Landlords will be required to be members of the new service expected to be ready for delivery in 2028.