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New Landlord Database: Registration Dates, Fees and What Landlords Need to Know
A practical guide to England’s new “Register your rental property” service, launching region by region from 15th December 2026.
The key points
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords of occupied properties let on assured or regulated tenancies in England must register themselves and their relevant properties with the government’s new Register your rental property service. Registration begins on 15th December 2026 in the West Midlands, with different deadlines across England.
Annual fee: £65 per property (with a reduced initial fee during rollout). Important: landlords must start the registration themselves, although letting agents can help supply certain details afterwards.
What is the landlord database?
The new national service is part of the Renters’ Rights Act reforms. It will hold information about landlords and privately rented homes, help landlords understand their responsibilities and support councils in enforcing housing standards.
The service will be overseen by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It is separate from local council property licensing requirements, which may still apply.
When must landlords register?
The government has confirmed a regional rollout with a three-month registration window for each area. The deadline is based on where the property is located, not where the landlord lives.
| Region | Registration opens | Register by |
|---|---|---|
| West Midlands | 15th December 2026 | 14th March 2027 |
| East of England | 15th January 2027 | 14th April 2027 |
| East Midlands | 15th February 2027 | 14th May 2027 |
| South East | 15th March 2027 | 14th June 2027 |
| Yorkshire and Humber | 15th April 2027 | 14th July 2027 |
| North West | 15th May 2027 | 14th August 2027 |
| North East | 15th June 2027 | 14th September 2027 |
| London | 15th July 2027 | 14th October 2027 |
| South West | 15th August 2027 | 14th November 2027 |
View the official registration timetable and guidance on GOV.UK →
Who needs to register?
Landlords who must register
- Individual landlords with occupied assured or regulated tenancies.
- Companies, trusts, charities and other organisations acting as private landlords.
- Joint landlords: each must register personally, while one registers the property and invites the others.
Special cases
- Supported exempt accommodation, as defined by legislation, is excluded.
- During rollout, empty properties do not yet need registering until let.
- Houses in multiple occupation are registered as one property, not room by room.
Later rules will require registration of unoccupied properties before advertising them. The government has not yet brought that advertising requirement into force.
How much will registration cost?
The ongoing fee is £65 per property per year, with no VAT. There is no separate fee to register yourself as a landlord, and updates to records are free.
During the initial rollout, the first fee will be pro-rated. The government will exclude days before 15th November 2027 when calculating the initial charge, so landlords registering early do not pay a full year’s fee for that period.
What information will landlords need?
Landlords will register using GOV.UK One Login. A paper-based route will be available for those unable to use the online service.
Landlord and property details
- Landlord identity and contact details, including joint landlords where applicable.
- Property address, number of bedrooms and rental status.
- A correspondence address in England or Wales.
- Relevant managing agent, freeholder and superior landlord details.
Tenancy and compliance details
- Tenancy information, including rent.
- Gas safety evidence where there is a gas supply.
- Electrical safety certificate and EPC evidence.
- Relevant HMO or other property licences.
Can a letting agent register for a landlord?
Not from start to finish. The landlord must initiate the registration and remains legally responsible for compliance. Once the property has a registration number and is occupied, the landlord can ask their letting or managing agent to provide certain tenancy and health and safety information.
This means landlords using TOLA should plan to complete their own initial registration and then agree what information their agent will help provide. Even where an agent assists, the landlord remains responsible for meeting the deadlines.
What happens if information changes?
Landlords must update information that changes or expires within 28 days. This includes relevant changes to occupancy, landlord details and safety certificates. Updating records is free.
For now, registration information is not generally public. The government intends to make some information publicly accessible later and will publish further details before doing so.
What are the penalties for failing to register?
Local authorities will be able to take enforcement action for breaches of the registration requirements. According to the government’s guidance, penalties can include:
- Up to £7,000 for failing to register as required.
- Up to £40,000 for certain serious or repeated breaches, including knowingly or recklessly providing false or misleading information.
- Potential rent repayment orders for specified serious registration-related offences, subject to the statutory conditions and relevant regional commencement dates.
See our Property Licensing guidance for further information.
What should landlords do now?
- Check which region your property falls within and note the deadline.
- Gather your tenancy details, property information and current compliance certificates.
- Make sure joint landlords know that each must register.
- Prepare to use GOV.UK One Login when the service opens.
- Keep your registration and property information updated after submission.
For more information on safety documents, visit our Safety & Compliance Resource Centre.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register immediately?
No. Registration opens on 15th December 2026, and your compulsory deadline depends on the property’s region. You can register early once the service launches.
Does every joint landlord need to register?
Yes. Each joint landlord must register, with one registering the property and inviting the other joint landlords.
Can my letting agent complete everything for me?
No. The landlord must start the registration. An agent can assist with certain tenancy and compliance details afterwards, but the landlord remains responsible.
Do I have to register an empty property?
During the initial rollout, the requirement covers properties currently let or becoming let. Registration of unoccupied properties before marketing will be required at a later stage.
Will I have to pay £65 immediately?
The standard annual fee is £65 per property, but the initial fee is reduced during rollout using the government’s pro-rating calculation.
Does database registration replace an HMO or selective licence?
No. Existing local authority licensing obligations remain separate and must still be met where applicable.
Need a helping hand?
The Online Letting Agents can help landlords understand their obligations and organise the tenancy and compliance information needed for registration. Remember that the landlord must start the government registration themselves.
Official sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Register your rental property service — guidance for landlords (published 29th October 2026)
- Government Housing Hub: Get ready to register
- GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act overview for landlords
Last reviewed: 29th October 2026. Disclaimer: General information for landlords in England, not legal advice. Registration requirements and future service features may be updated; always check the latest GOV.UK guidance before acting.
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