Legislation & policy · 24 July 2026

The Private Rented Sector Database: what landlords must register

Registration becomes a practical gateway to letting and to possession. Here is what you will need to supply.

Overview

The Act creates a national database of private landlords and rented dwellings in England. Landlords will need an active entry before marketing a property, and courts will be able to refuse possession where an entry is missing.

What you register

Landlord identity and contact details, each let dwelling, and confirmation of key compliance items such as gas safety, electrical safety and energy performance.

Why it matters

An out-of-date entry can block a possession claim and expose you to a penalty, even where the underlying certificates are valid.

Getting ready

Keep one authoritative record per property with certificate expiry dates so that database entries can be refreshed quickly.

General information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.