The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Landlords to register themselves and their rental properties
Landlords in England should start preparing for one of the most practical changes introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025: the requirement to register both themselves and their privately rented properties through a new national registration service.
The Government announced on 9 September 2026 that the new service will be rolled out region by region from 15 December 2026. It will begin in the West Midlands and then apply to the rest of England over the following 12 months. At the time of writing it is not known when the requirement will be in force for landlords in East Anglia.
A new register, a familiar aim
The service will be known publicly as the “Register Your Rental Property” service. The legislation itself refers to the “Private Rented Sector Database”, but the practical point for landlords is straightforward: registration will become part of the compliance landscape for many residential lettings in England.
The intention is to give tenants, local authorities and responsible landlords better visibility of who is letting property and whether key legal requirements are being met. For good landlords, it should also provide a way of demonstrating that their properties are properly managed.
Who will need to comply?
The new obligation will apply to landlords of assured or regulated tenancies in England. In practice, this is likely to capture a wide range of private residential landlords, whether they own one buy-to-let property or a larger portfolio.
At the start of the rollout, the requirement will only apply to properties which are actively let, or which become occupied while the rollout is taking place. The obligation is linked to the location of the property, rather than where the landlord lives.
Future legislation is expected to expand the position so that unoccupied properties must be registered before they are marketed for let. Once that further requirement is in force, landlords and letting agents will also need to include the relevant registration numbers in property adverts.
What landlords will need to do
Landlords will have a three-month period to register once the service goes live in their region. The first launch is scheduled for 15 December 2026 in the West Midlands, with other regions following during the next year.
The registration process is expected to require landlords to provide information about themselves and each property. This will include details of the rented dwelling and compliance documents such as gas safety, electrical safety and energy performance certificates. Landlords will also need to confirm whether the property requires a house in multiple occupation licence.
For landlords who use a letting agent, the important point is that the legal responsibility will remain with the landlord. Agents may be able to assist with aspects of the process, but landlords should not assume that this will happen automatically.
Why the deadline matters
Missing the registration window could have serious consequences. Landlords who fail to sign up within the relevant three-month period may face enforcement action and sanctions. There may also be knock-on consequences if a landlord needs to rely on possession proceedings or demonstrate compliance to a tenant, agent, lender or buyer.
It would be sensible for landlords to review their portfolios now. Certificates should be checked, property details brought up to date and HMO licensing questions considered before the relevant regional deadline arrives.
Rent increases: a related reform
The same Government announcement also referred to a change in the way challenges to rent increases will be handled in England. HM Revenue and Customs' Valuation Office is expected to become responsible for decisions on those challenges, with the aim of resolving rent disputes more quickly.
For the time being, however, tenants who wish to challenge a rent increase must still apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Landlords should therefore continue to follow the existing procedure until the new arrangements are formally implemented.
How Fraser Dawbarns can help
Fraser Dawbarns can help landlords understand whether the registration requirements apply to their properties, prepare for the regional rollout and deal with connected issues such as tenancy documentation, possession strategy, rent increase procedure, HMO licensing questions and wider compliance with the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
If you let residential property in England, early preparation is likely to be the best approach. Our property and dispute resolution teams can review your position, identify practical risks and help you take the right steps before the registration deadline. Our Renters Rights specialist is David Moulton and he can be contacted on davidmoulton@fraserdawbarns.com or by calling one or our offices of completing our enquiry form.
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This article aims to supply general information, but it is not intended to constitute advice. Every effort is made to ensure that the law referred to is correct at the date of publication and to avoid any statement which may mislead. However, no duty of care is assumed to any person and no liability is accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. Always seek advice specific to your own circumstances. Fraser Dawbarns LLP is always happy to provide such advice.