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

Government to Launch PRS Database Across England from December

The UK Government will begin rolling out a private rented sector (PRS) database across England from December 2024. This new service forms part of the second phase of the Renters’ Rights Act and will be introduced region by region.

The government states that the national landlord registration service aims to provide private renters with stronger protections, greater transparency, and more confidence. The database will also give councils access to information to help identify rogue landlords. Registration deadlines for landlords will be staggered across regions, starting with the West Midlands on 14 March 2027, followed by the East of England (14 April), East Midlands (14 May), South East (14 June), Yorkshire and the Humber (14 July), North West (14 August), North East (14 September), London (14 October), and the South West (14 November 2027).

Prospective landlords will also be required to register, and tenants will be able to check whether their landlord or prospective landlord is registered. The government says the new system will provide a clearer route for tenants to challenge rent increases in England. Councils will have access to the database to support enforcement efforts.

Additionally, HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC’s) Valuation Office will become responsible for decisions on challenges to rent increases in England. Until these reforms are fully implemented, renters who wish to challenge a rent increase must continue to apply to the first-tier tribunal, and will not have to pay the higher rent until a final decision is made.

The National Residential Landlords Association has expressed concerns that the PRS database could become a directory for councils rather than a tool to raise standards, and highlighted the risk of duplication with existing local licensing schemes. The association welcomed the decision for HMRC’s Valuation Office to handle rent increase challenges.

Propertymark noted that letting agents will play a key role in supporting landlords through the registration process, including signposting clients to the service and ensuring registration numbers are included in property listings where required.