Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

All Landlords in England to Register Properties Under New National Scheme

The government has announced that all landlords in England will be required to register their rental properties under a new national scheme. The “Register your rental property” service will launch on 15 December 2026, starting in the West Midlands before rolling out across England over the following 12 months.

Landlords will be legally required to register their properties when their region joins the scheme. They will have three months to comply, and those who fail to register risk financial penalties. The annual registration fee will be £65 per property, with renewal required each year. All landlords actively letting property in England must be registered by 14 November 2027.

Key Details for Letting Agents and Inventory Clerks

The initial requirements will apply to landlords with properties already let, as well as those that become occupied during the rollout. Further legislation is planned to extend the system to vacant rental properties, requiring registration before advertising them for rent.

Letting agents and landlords will be required to display registration numbers on property adverts. The government also plans to give tenants access to registration information, allowing prospective tenants to check if a landlord is registered. Local councils will have access to the data to help identify non-compliant landlords and take enforcement action.

The registration service is the first stage of a planned national database of private rented sector properties.

Changes to Rent Challenge Process

The government has also announced changes to the process for tenants challenging rent increases. HMRC’s Valuation Office will take responsibility for initial decisions on rent increase challenges in England. Currently, such challenges are handled by the First-tier Tribunal, which will remain in place while the new service is developed. Tenants who challenge a rent increase will not have to pay the higher rent until the Tribunal reaches a final decision.

These changes are part of the next phase of the Renters’ Rights Act reforms.