The New Landlord & Property Database: What’s Coming?

Thu 06 Aug 2026

Another big change is on the way for landlords. The Government has proposed a new Private Rented Sector Database, and it could change the way rental homes are advertised and let.

A regional rollout is expected to begin from late 2026. This is still subject to the rules being finalised, and to approval by Parliament, so the timing could shift. Even so, it is a good idea to understand what is coming so you are ready.

What is the new database?

The database sits under the Renters' Rights Act framework. Under this framework, landlords with assured and regulated tenancies will need to register two things: themselves and each of their rental properties.

Registration will be mandatory, which means it will not be optional. An annual fee is also expected, although the exact amount has not yet been confirmed.

If you want a wider view of the changes already taking place, you can read more on our Renters' Rights Act 2025 guide.

What information will landlords need to provide?

The full list has not been confirmed, but the information below is expected to be required.

Registration detail	What this is likely to cover
Landlord contact details	Details for the landlord and for any joint landlords
Property information	The property address, the type of property, the number of bedrooms, and whether it is occupied
Gas safety	Gas safety information for the property
Electrical safety	Electrical safety information for the property
Energy Performance Certificate	The EPC details for the property

Keeping these records tidy and up to date now will make registration much easier later.

Registration before marketing

This is the part that matters most for day-to-day letting. Registration is expected to become a pre-marketing requirement.

In plain terms, this means that before a property can be advertised, there will need to be an active database entry for both the landlord and the property. Written adverts are also expected to include the unique reference numbers given to the landlord and to the property.

Agents who advertise or let a property that is not registered could face penalties too. Because of this, checking that a property is registered is likely to become an important step in the letting process. This is one more reason why careful property management will help landlords stay on the right side of the rules.

Why is the database being introduced?

The aim is to make the rental market clearer and fairer for everyone. It should help landlords understand their duties, help tenants find useful information about a home before they rent it, and give local councils a clearer picture so they can spot properties that do not meet the rules.

You can read the Government's own explanation in its official Guide to the Renters' Rights Act on GOV.UK.

What should landlords do now?

There is no need to panic, and nothing to register just yet. The final operational details have not been confirmed. For now, the best steps are simple: keep your gas safety, electrical safety, and EPC records current, and make sure your contact details are easy to find.

We will keep our landlords informed as the rollout gets closer. If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help.