The database launch begins in December 2026 for rental properties located in the West Midlands, before moving on to other locations. The East of England is next where the regulations commence on 15 January 2027 and the deadline for registration is 14 April 2027. For landlords with properties spread across England there will be a need to be aware of the differing deadlines to ensure they do not miss them. It should also be possible for landlords to register all of their properties earlier than is required for the region their property is based in, once the launch has commenced.
It will be possible for landlords to use property or letting agents to provide information on their behalf to the PRS database, but we understand that the landlord themselves must start and end the registration process, which includes an annual registration fee of £65 per property. Guidance is expected from the Government on this as the launch date approaches. We know from our own client base that many landlords do not use letting agents however and will need to be aware of the new obligations to ensure they stay compliant.
It is our understanding that only properties which are being let on assured or regulated tenancies, or marketed for the same, that need to be registered at this time.
Landlords have faced a number of regulatory and financial changes in recent years, and the PRS database is a further part of that. We regularly support private landlords with their financial obligations such as self assessment tax returns and Making Tax Digital, and assistance with capital gains tax planning and tax returns. Please contact us if you would like more information on how we can help you navigate the financial aspects of being a private landlord.