The Private Rented Sector Database: What We Know So Far

The Private Rented Sector Database: What We Know So Far

The Private Rented Sector database opens to the East of England in just 3 months time. As the second region in the rollout programme, landlords with property let in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex will have from 15 January to 14 April 2027 to register themselves and their property with the government's Register Your Rental Property service.

With around 5 million privately rented properties in England, the scheme will take until 14 November 2027 to complete in the form of a staggered rollout programme to be implemented across England, but the East of England will be the second region required to sign up to the scheme. Although the exact format of the database and registration process still to be revealed, it's still possible for landlords to gather the information they need now in order to prepare for the process of registration to be as smooth as possible. Here we look at some frequently asked questions to help you.

- How do I register?

Landlords will need to have an account with GOV.UK One Login. This system is already used for some government services, so you may already have an account, otherwise you will be required to sign up as a new user.

- As a landlord, what information will I need to provide?

All landlords with property let within the private rented sector will need to provide information about both themselves and any property that they have let out.

As an individual landlord you will need to provide your name, date of birth, residential address, and your preferred phone number and email address. There will be additional requirements if you let property as an organisation, or if you're acting on behalf of somebody else (e.g. if you have power of attorney). 

In relation to any property that you have let within the private rented sector, you will need to provide the following information:

• The address, landlord(s)'s name(s), ownership type, number of bedrooms and details of any freeholder, superior landlord or property management
• Tenancy information including the number of households in a property and the number of occupants in each household
• Whether the property comes under any additional licensing or is a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO)
• Whether the property is unfurnished, part-furnished or fully furnished
• Rent information, including the amount, payment frequency and whether any utilities are included in the rent
• Safety information, including evidence of the energy performance certificate (EPC), electrical installation and condition report (EICR) and, if there's a gas supply, gas safety certificate (GSC). If the most recent EPC gives an energy performance rating of below the minimum level of energy efficiency, information as to whether the dwelling has a registered Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) exemption, and if so, what types of exemption apply 

- My EPC has expired. Do I need to renew it before I register for the database?

No. You only need to have a current EPC if you are advertising a property to rent or buy. If your latest EPC has expired, you'll need to provdide the tenancy start date to show that the expiry date occurred after the tenancy start date.

This does not apply to gas safety certificates, EICRs as these need to be maintained as current throughout any tenancy.

- How much will it cost to register with the database?

Registration will cost £65 per property per year, payable directly to the scheme.

- I've got multiple properties across different regions. Can I register them at the same time?

The rollout programme is designed to ensure that the government's system doesn't become overwhelmed with the same deadlines being applicable across the whole of England. However, if you wish, from 14 December 2026, you can access the database to register property earlier than you would otherwise be invited to. You must register before the registration deadline for your property’s area though.

- Can my letting agent register with the database on my behalf?

As the landlord, you are responsible for starting and ending the registration process. You can agree with your letting agent or property manager that they can provide certain information on your behalf. Whilst your letting agent or property manager can support you, you as a landlord will remain responsible for providing all required information and staying up to date with information relating to your registration.

- What happens if I miss the deadline?

Councils will be able to initiate enforcement activity if a landlord has failed to register either themselves or their property by the deadline. This could be a fine of up to £7,000 for a first or minor breach, escalating up to £40,000 for serious or repeated offences, so it's important to ragister as required.

- What happens if I let another property after the deadline?

There will be a requirement for property to be registered with the database before being marketed to rent. In time, properties will be required to display a reference code that will allow tenants to check some aspects relating to the property information so that they can make material decisions as to whether it would be suitable for them to rent. This will require the same documents and information to be provided up front as for any currently let property, so being prepared in advance of coming onto the market will be an important factor in letting compliantly.


Further information can be found at https://housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-changing/get-ready-to-register/ or we are happy to talk you through the requirements and how we can help you if you are one of our fully managed landlords. For letting advice for private rented sector landlords in King's Lynn and West Norfolk, call us on 01553 692828, email [email protected] or pop into our King's Lynn office on the Tuesday Market Place for a chat about the changing requirements impact you.