Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.
Government publishes new rental property registration guidance for letting agents
The government has published new guidance for letting agents and property managers ahead of the introduction of mandatory rental property registration in England. The guidance explains how agents can help landlords register their properties under the Renters’ Rights Act 2026.
Registration will begin in the West Midlands on 15 December 2026, with a phased rollout across England continuing until November 2027. Landlords will be legally responsible for registering themselves and their properties, but agents will be able to submit certain information on their behalf. The government has confirmed that using the agent service will be voluntary, and agents are being encouraged to discuss registration arrangements with landlords before the system launches.
What letting agents will need to know
Under the new system, landlords must start each property registration and pay an annual registration fee. They can then authorise their letting agent or property manager to provide information about the property. This includes HMO, additional and selective licensing details; the number of tenants and households; whether the property is furnished; the monthly rent and any bills included; gas safety certificates; electrical safety certificates, including EICRs; and energy performance certificates (EPCs).
Agents will receive a unique access link for each property, which they can use to submit information and update records. However, agents will be responsible for the accuracy of any information they submit. Landlords will receive notifications when their agents update property details.
Strict 28-day deadlines
The guidance introduces important deadlines for landlords and agents. If required information is not submitted within 28 days, the property’s registration will become inactive, and the landlord could also breach their legal obligations. Landlords must also update registration information within 28 days of any changes, including changes to rent, tenant numbers and compliance certificates. Agents can make these updates on behalf of landlords using their existing access links.
New rules for advertising rental properties
The government has also confirmed plans to require landlords to register properties before they can be marketed. Once this requirement takes effect, letting agents will need to check that both the landlord and property are registered before advertising. Property adverts will also need to display two registration numbers: the landlord registration number (L-XXXX-XXXX) and the rental property number (P-XXXX-XXXX). These advertising requirements will be introduced at a later stage and do not apply from the initial regional registration dates.
Registration timetable
The government has confirmed the following regional deadlines:
| Region | Start date | End date (before midnight) |
|--------|------------|----------------------------|
| West Midlands | 15 December 2026 | 14 March 2027 |
| East of England | 15 January 2027 | 14 April 2027 |
| East Midlands | 15 February 2027 | 14 May 2027 |
| South East | 15 March 2027 | 14 June 2027 |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | 15 April 2027 | 14 July 2027 |
| North West | 15 May 2027 | 14 August 2027 |
| North East | 15 June 2027 | 14 September 2027 |
| London | 15 July 2027 | 14 October 2027 |
| South West | 15 August 2027 | 14 November 2027 |
Agents urged to prepare
Letting agents intending to support landlords should begin checking their property records. They will also need a secure process for managing registration links and passwords. The government says multiple staff members can update a property’s registration using the same link and password. However, agents cannot reset passwords themselves.
Source: Property Industry Eye