Landlords in England have another compliance deadline to prepare for.
The Government has announced that its new “Register your rental property” service will begin rolling out from 15 December 2026, starting in the West Midlands before extending to other regions.
For landlords, the practical questions are straightforward: when must you register, what will it cost, and how much can your letting agent handle?
Important: as at 19 September 2026, the detailed database regulations remain in draft and require parliamentary approval. This article explains the announced scheme and timetable—not a requirement to register today.
Who will need to register?
The scheme is intended to cover landlords of homes in England let under assured or regulated tenancies, excluding social housing. Landlords will need an entry for themselves and an entry for each qualifying rental property.
The draft regulations also provide an exemption for supported exempt accommodation, as defined in section 12 of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.
Already hold an HMO or selective licence? Registration will be a separate requirement. It will not replace a property licence that your property needs.
What will it cost?
The announced fee is £65 per property, per year, with annual renewal.
That is not one payment covering your whole portfolio. For example, three qualifying properties would mean budgeting £195 for a full year’s registration.
The Government says fees will be adjusted proportionately during the rollout.
Which deadline applies to your property?
The Government’s published timetable provides a three-month registration window for each region. The property’s location determines the deadline—not where the landlord lives.
| Property’s region | Regional phase begins | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Humber | 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 |
Dates are taken from the Government’s announced rollout timetable.
Landlords will also be able to register from 15 December 2026, ahead of their own regional deadline. This includes landlords with properties in different regions.
For a portfolio spread across several areas, put a separate deadline against each property rather than relying on one diary reminder.
Can your letting agent do it for you?
Do not assume that a fully managed service means registration will be handled entirely by your agent.
Government guidance says landlords will remain responsible for starting and completing registration. Agents and property managers will be able to supply certain information, with further guidance to follow before launch.
Speak to your agent in advance. Agree what they will prepare, what you will need to provide and who will deal with updates.
What information should you get ready?
The published requirements include:
- Landlord and property details, including contact information, the property address and bedroom numbers.
- Tenancy and rent information, including occupancy, rent charged and payment frequency.
- Licensing details, where applicable.
- Gas safety, electrical safety and EPC information, subject to the requirements applying to the property and tenancy.
Start with the records you already hold. Check for missing documents and inconsistent details, particularly where information is split between you and your managing agent.
Will you need to keep the register updated?
Registration is not intended to be a one-off task.
Under the draft regulations, information and documents in active landlord entries and entries for let properties must be updated within a 28-day period beginning on the day they become out of date.
Plan for updates as well as annual renewal. A registration reminder is useful, but it should sit alongside a clear process for recording changes throughout the tenancy.
What about empty properties and rental adverts?
The initial rollout concerns properties already let, or which become occupied during the rollout.
The Government plans a later stage requiring unoccupied properties to be registered before they are marketed for letting, with landlord and property registration numbers included in adverts. Those requirements depend on further legislation. Public access for tenants is also planned for a later stage.
The distinction matters: the initial registration phase and the future advertising requirements should not be treated as though they start together.
Could registration affect a possession claim?
Yes—once the relevant provisions apply.
For assured tenancies, section 90 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 provides for a restriction preventing the court from making a possession order while the landlord—or any joint landlord—is in breach of the requirement for active landlord and property database entries.
The Act includes exceptions where possession is sought on Ground 7A or Ground 14. It is therefore not an absolute restriction on every possession order involving an unregistered landlord.
The commencement position, any applicable transitional rules and the circumstances of the tenancy must be checked before applying this restriction to an individual case. The announced registration timetable should not, by itself, be treated as confirmation of the possession procedure that applies.
The Government also warns that failing to register once required can result in a financial penalty.
Landlord takeaway
Use the lead-up to registration to organise your records—not simply to add another date to the calendar.
Create a registration file for each property. Record the relevant regional deadline, gather the supporting paperwork and agree responsibilities with your managing agent. Keep evidence of what you submit and set reminders for renewal and updates.
Most importantly, do not leave a review of your tenancy paperwork until you need to recover possession.
Need to recover possession?
Possession Proceedings can review your tenancy and compliance documents and help identify the appropriate Section 8 route.
Speak to us before serving notice so the relevant ground, evidence and procedure can be checked from the start.
This article provides general information about the announced landlord registration scheme in England and reflects the position as at 19 September 2026. It is not legal advice on an individual case. Check the final legislation, commencement provisions and updated guidance before acting.
