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

National Landlord Register to Launch in December, Starting in West Midlands

A new national registration service for landlords in England will launch on 15 December this year, beginning in the West Midlands. The register is part of the next phase of the Renters’ Rights Act and will be rolled out to other regions over the following year.

All landlords actively letting property must be registered by 14 November 2027. Registration will be a legal requirement, and landlords who fail to register could face a fine. When a region is called forward, landlords in that area will have a three-month window to sign up. The initial requirements apply to landlords with properties under let, or those that become occupied during the rollout.

Implications for Letting Agents and Inventory Clerks

Under future legislation, landlords will also need to register unoccupied properties before marketing them. Both letting agents and landlords will be required to include registration numbers on property adverts. Letting agents may also be able to upload health and safety information and certificates on behalf of landlords, where agreed.

The government has stated that clear guidance will be provided on what agents can and cannot do to support their landlord clients during the registration process.

Changes to Rent Increase Challenges

At the same time as the register rollout, HMRC will take over responsibility for decisions on challenges to rent increases in England. While these reforms are being developed, tenants seeking 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 government has indicated that transferring responsibility for initial rent determinations to HMRC’s Valuation Office aims to speed up the process and reduce pressure on the tribunal system.