Private Rented Sector Database: What Landlords Need to Know
From late 2026, Private landlords in England will be legally required to register themselves and their qualifying rental properties on a new national Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database.
At a cost of £65 per property, per year, registration will be a legal requirement, with those failing to register facing financial penalties of up to £40,000 and loss of access to certain possession grounds.
At a cost of £65 per property, per year, registration will be a legal requirement, with those failing to register facing financial penalties of up to £40,000 and loss of access to certain possession grounds.
Key dates
The “Register your rental property” service opens on 15 December 2026 and rolls out region by region, starting with the West Midlands. Landlords have three months from their region’s commencement date to register each let property. All landlords actively letting qualifying properties must be registered by 14 November 2027.
| Date | What Landlords need to know |
|---|---|
15 December 2026 |
Registration service opens, beginning with the West Midlands |
Three months following regional launch |
Deadline for landlords in each region to register their qualifying properties |
14 November 2027 |
All qualifying properties must be registered |
Who will be affected?
The requirement applies to private landlords in England who let qualifying residential properties.
The legal status of a property will depend on the relevant letting arrangements. Advertising a property through Airbnb, Booking.com or another platform does not, by itself, determine whether the property falls within the registration requirements.
Landlords should consider the nature of each letting arrangement rather than relying solely on the platform used to advertise the property.
The legal status of a property will depend on the relevant letting arrangements. Advertising a property through Airbnb, Booking.com or another platform does not, by itself, determine whether the property falls within the registration requirements.
Landlords should consider the nature of each letting arrangement rather than relying solely on the platform used to advertise the property.
How do I register for the PRS Database?
The Government’s “Register your rental property” service will be available through GOV.UK when registration opens in your area. Landlords should expect to:
- Register as the landlord Provide the required information about themselves and their ownership of the relevant property or properties.
- Register each qualifying property Provide the required details for each property covered by the registration requirements.
- Provide required information This is expected to include property details and relevant safety information, such as gas, electrical and EPC information where applicable.
- Pay the registration fee An annual fee of £ 65 per property per year will apply.
- Keep information up to date Landlords will be responsible for ensuring that the information held on the database remains accurate and up to date.
Your next steps
There is no need to wait for the registration service to open before preparing. Landlords should start by reviewing their records and making sure they have the relevant information readily available, including:
- Landlord and ownership details
- Property addresses and key property information
- Current tenancy arrangements
- Gas Safety Certificates
- Electrical safety documentation
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
- HMO or other relevant property licences
- Any applicable exemptions
The registration deadline will come around quickly once the service opens in your area, and preparing this information in advance will make the registration process more straightforward.
If you need advice on how the new PRS Database requirements apply to your properties, or how to register your rental property, speak to Fiander’s team today.
For further information, including when your regional rollout will commence, please visit: housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-changing/get-ready-to-register
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It reflects the position in England and the information currently available regarding the PRS Database. Landlords should seek independent legal advice based on their individual circumstances.
For further information, including when your regional rollout will commence, please visit: housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-changing/get-ready-to-register
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It reflects the position in England and the information currently available regarding the PRS Database. Landlords should seek independent legal advice based on their individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all private landlords need to register on the PRS Database?
The Government states that landlords of assured and regulated tenancies will be legally required to register themselves and their properties on the database.
When does PRS Database registration open?
The Register your rental property service is due to launch on 15 December 2026, beginning in the West Midlands, with the rollout continuing region by region.
How much does PRS Database registration cost?
The registration fee is £65 per property per year.
What happens if a landlord does not register on the PRS Database?
Failure to register can result in enforcement action and financial penalties. The Government’s guidance states that landlords in breach can face civil penalties, with serious or repeat breaches potentially attracting penalties of up to £40,000. Failure to maintain an active database entry can also restrict access to certain possession grounds.
Does the PRS Database apply to Airbnb properties?
The platform used to advertise a property does not, by itself, determine its legal status. Whether registration is required will depend on the nature of the letting and whether it falls within the relevant legal requirements.
