If you’re a landlord in Waltham Forest, Newham or elsewhere in London, there’s a new compliance deadline to put in your diary. The Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database is due to open nationally on 15 December 2026, with registration introduced region by region.
Yet an August survey found that only 23% of landlords knew about the new mandatory database and landlord ombudsman. The lowest awareness of the seven Renters’ Rights Act measures surveyed. With a fee for each rental property and penalties for non-compliance, now is a good time to check what’s expected and get your records in order.
What is the PRS Database?
The PRS Database, also referred to as “Register your rental property”, is a national register being introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act. It will require landlords to register themselves and each relevant rental property in England.
The database is separate from the new landlord ombudsman. Both are measures under the Act, but joining the database does not, by itself, satisfy any separate ombudsman requirement.
The survey by property management platform August, reported in industry coverage in October, found that landlords were more aware of some other changes. 59% knew about rules on tenant pet requests and 55% about rent increases being limited to once a year. Awareness that rent in advance is capped at one month stood at 42%.
The database may sound like an administrative task, but it has important consequences if you miss your deadline.
When is London’s deadline?
The database opens on 15 December 2026, starting with the West Midlands. It then rolls out one region each month, with a three-month compliance window for each area.
For London landlords, registration commences on 15 July 2027. The deadline to register is 14 October 2027.
That date is determined by where the property is, not where you live. If you’re based in London but own a rental in another region, check the deadline for that property’s location.
You can register properties from 15 December 2026, regardless of their region. That may be helpful if you own rental homes in several areas and would prefer to organise your portfolio together.
Who needs to register?
The requirement applies to private landlords in England letting under an assured or regulated tenancy. It applies whether you own one property or several, let as an individual or through a limited company, and manage the property yourself or appoint an agent.
The legal duty remains with you as the landlord. An agent may be able to provide certain information once you have started the registration, but the responsibility does not transfer to them. Agents may also face their own penalties for marketing an unregistered property.
During the rollout, the requirement applies to properties that are currently let or become let. Empty properties do not need to be registered during this period. Keep an eye on official guidance for any later changes to the requirements around marketing vacant homes.
What will you need?
The government’s guidance and regulations set out the information landlords will be asked to provide. Preparing it in advance can make the process more straightforward.
You’ll need a GOV.UK One Login, along with personal or company details. For each property, expect to provide information such as:
- Property address and details about the dwelling
- Tenancy type, number of occupants and rent
- Whether the property is furnished, part-furnished or unfurnished
- Any relevant HMO, additional or selective licence numbers
- Gas safety record, where the property has a gas supply
- Electrical safety information, such as an EICR
- EPC information and, where relevant, MEES exemption details
It’s worth checking now that your certificates are current and easy to find. If you’re not sure which details are held by your agent, ask them to confirm what they have and what you’ll need to supply yourself.
How much does it cost?
The stated fee is £65 per property per year, not £65 per landlord. That means a landlord registering four properties should budget for £260 a year, subject to the final arrangements for fees and renewal.
The fee is deductible against rental income, according to the published guidance. The The Negotiator’s coverage of the £65 fee explains how the charge applies across a portfolio.
Remember, the PRS Database does not replace local licensing. If your property needs an HMO or selective licence, you’ll still need to meet those separate requirements.
What if you miss the deadline?
Failing to register can mean more than a late entry on a form. A first breach involving letting or advertising an unregistered property can result in a civil penalty of up to £7,000. False or misleading information, or repeat breaches, can lead to penalties of up to £40,000.
There can also be serious consequences if you need to regain possession of your property. An unregistered landlord cannot obtain a possession order on most grounds. The exceptions are Grounds 7A and 14, which relate to serious anti-social behaviour or criminality.
A tenant may also apply for a rent repayment order covering up to 24 months’ rent paid while the landlord was unregistered. These are potential penalties and legal consequences; the outcome in any individual case depends on the circumstances.
What can you do now?
You don’t need to wait until your regional window opens to get organised. A few practical steps now can help reduce last-minute stress:
- Check the date for each property. Make a note of the deadline based on its location.
- Set up a GOV.UK One Login if you don’t already have one.
- Gather your property records, including tenancy information, rent details and licence numbers.
- Check your safety documents. Find the gas safety record, EICR and EPC, and note when each is due for renewal.
- Speak to your managing agent. Agree who will provide which details and how you’ll keep a record of what has been submitted.
- Keep licensing separate. Confirm whether local HMO or selective licensing rules apply to your property.
The government’s landlord registration guidance and the Private Rented Sector Database Regulations are useful places to check the current requirements. Regulations and guidance can change, so check official sources before taking action.
Would hands-on support help?
Compliance can feel like a lot to manage alongside tenant queries, maintenance and rent collection. A fully managed service can help you keep day-to-day tasks and key dates in view, while giving you a clear point of contact when you have questions.
At Lyss Homes, we help landlords find quality tenants and manage their properties, including day-to-day tenancy support. Our fully managed lettings service also includes free Rent Protection and Eviction Cover. We offer hands-on service, transparent advice and updates throughout the process, so you’re not left trying to work everything out alone.
If you’re considering letting a property in East London, we’re here to help you understand your options and plan ahead. Find out more about our fully managed property service, ask our team for landlord advice, or request a rental valuation.
This article is for general information and is not legal advice. Check the latest official guidance or seek independent professional advice about your circumstances.