Private landlords in England will soon need to register themselves and their qualifying rental properties through the government’s new ‘Register your rental property’ service.
We understand that a new requirement may raise questions, so we have brought together the key information currently available - including the important dates and what you can expect from the process.
What is the ‘Register your rental property’ service?
As part of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, private landlords will be required to register themselves and each qualifying property they let. Registration will need to be renewed annually, with a fee payable for every property.
The service is intended to provide a straightforward way for landlords to demonstrate that they are meeting their legal obligations. It will also give local councils a clearer picture of privately rented properties and help them identify where further action may be needed.
When will landlord registration begin?
Registration will be introduced gradually across England, beginning with the West Midlands on 15 December 2026. A further region will join the scheme each month, with the rollout concluding in the South West in August 2027.
You will have three months from the date registration begins in your property’s region to complete the process.
It is important to remember that the timetable is based on the location of your rental property—not where you live. If you own properties in different parts of the country, each one will follow the deadline for its own region.
The government has also said that landlords will be able to register properties early once the service launches, provided each property is registered by its relevant regional deadline.
What are the dates for properties in the East of England?
The East of England will be the second region to enter the scheme.
If you own a qualifying rental property in the region, the key details are:
- Registration opens: 15 January 2027
- Registration deadline: 14 April 2027
- Annual registration fee: £65 per property
You will therefore have a three-month window in which to complete your registration.
If you own properties in more than one region, each property will be subject to the deadline for the area in which it is located.
What information will landlords need to provide?
The government is still finalising parts of the registration process. Based on its current guidance, landlords will need a GOV.UK One Login and will be asked to provide information about themselves, their properties and their tenancies.
Once registered, you will also be responsible for keeping your information accurate and up to date.
Further details are expected before the service launches, and we will share relevant updates with you as soon as they become available.
How much will registration cost?
Registration will cost £65 per property each year.
If you own one qualifying rental property, you will pay £65 annually. If you have several properties, the fee will be payable for each one you register.
What happens if a landlord does not register?
Registration will be a legal requirement, so it will be important to complete the process within the three-month window for your region.
Failure to comply with the database requirements could result in a civil penalty of up to £7,000. Serious or repeated non-compliance could lead to a civil penalty of up to £40,000 or criminal prosecution.
Any action taken will depend on the nature and circumstances of the breach. Making a note of your regional dates and completing the process in good time will help you avoid any unnecessary concerns.
How will we help?
We appreciate that keeping up with changes in legislation can feel like another demand on your time. We are carefully reviewing the government’s guidance and monitoring how the registration service will work in practice.
Subject to further guidance, we may be able to assist you with parts of the process. However, you will remain legally responsible for starting and completing your registration.
For now, there is nothing you need to do. We will contact you over the coming weeks with clear information about the next steps and explain how we can best support you.
You can also read the latest government guidance on the ‘Register your rental property’ service.
