The government has now published detailed guidance on the new "Register your rental property" service, which is being introduced under the Renters' Rights Act and will require most private landlords in England to register both themselves and their rental properties on a new national database.
Registration will begin on a regional basis from 15 December 2026, with landlords in the West Midlands required to register occupied rental properties by 14 March 2027. Other regions will follow throughout 2027, with the North West registration period running from 15 May 2027 to 14 August 2027.
The guidance confirms that registration is mandatory for private landlords letting properties under assured or regulated tenancies, including companies, partnerships, charities and trusts. Joint landlords must each register individually, although only one landlord is required to register the property itself and add the other joint owners to the record.
To register a property, landlords will need to provide details including the property address, rental status and relevant contacts. Further information will also be required, such as gas safety, electrical safety and EPC documentation, together with tenancy information and details of any applicable licences. Whilst some of this information can be supplied later, it must generally be uploaded within 28 days of registration to avoid the property registration being deactivated.
The guidance also clarifies the role of letting and managing agents. Although agents can assist by uploading tenancy and compliance information, landlords must initiate the registration process themselves and remain legally responsible for ensuring the information provided is accurate and complete.
There will be an annual registration fee of £65 per property, payable on registration and renewal.
The fee is intended to fund the operation of the service and enforcement activity within the private rented sector.
Landlords should begin preparing now by gathering the required compliance documentation and ensuring property records are up to date. The new database is set to become a key part of the government's regulation of the private rented sector, and failing to register or maintain accurate records could expose landlords to significant enforcement action once the scheme is fully operational.
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