NEW LANDLORD REGISTER: WHAT LANDLORDS NEED TO KNOW

A new national register for landlords and rental properties is on its way. Here’s what’s changing, when it’s happening and what landlords across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire need to know.

Another change is coming for landlords in England.

As part of the Renters’ Rights Act, the Government is introducing a new Private Rented Sector Database. In simple terms, landlords will need to register themselves and the properties they let.

Yes, it’s another thing to add to the landlord compliance list.

But there’s no need to panic. The scheme is being introduced gradually, and landlords will be given time to register when it reaches their area.

Here’s what we know so far.

WHAT IS THE NEW LANDLORD REGISTER?

The Private Rented Sector Database will create a central record of landlords and privately rented properties across England.

Registration will be mandatory for private landlords, with the database being rolled out region by region from late 2026. There’s an annual £65 registration fee per property, and you’ll need to renew your registration each year.

The idea is to bring key information together in one place, helping landlords understand their responsibilities and demonstrate compliance while giving local authorities better information to support enforcement.

For landlords, it means one thing above all:

Good records are becoming even more important.

WHAT INFORMATION WILL LANDLORDS NEED TO PROVIDE?

The final regulations will set out exactly what needs to be submitted, but the Government expects the database to include key information about both the landlord and the property.

This is expected to include:

• landlord contact details, including information about joint landlords
• the full property address and property type
• the number of bedrooms
• the number of households or residents
• whether the property is currently let
• gas safety information
• electrical safety information
• Energy Performance Certificate information

The database will therefore become another important part of demonstrating that a rental property is being managed correctly and safely.

DO LANDLORDS NEED TO REGISTER NOW?

No.

The Government has confirmed that the database will be introduced gradually by area from late 2026, rather than every landlord in England being required to register on the same day.

So, if you own a rental property in Surrey, Hampshire or Berkshire, there’s nothing you need to rush off and do today.

But this is a good time to make sure your property records, certificates and compliance information are organised and up to date.

Don’t panic. Do prepare.

WHY DOES THE DATABASE MATTER?

Once the relevant rules are in force, registering won’t simply be another piece of administration.

The Renters’ Rights Act gives local authorities powers to take enforcement action where landlords fail to meet their database obligations. The legislation can also restrict a landlord’s ability to gain possession of a property in certain circumstances if the required database entry isn’t active.

That makes getting it right rather more important than forgetting to tick a box on a form.

And it’s part of a much bigger change in lettings.

LANDLORDING HAS CHANGED

If you’ve been a landlord for a while, you’ll already know just how much the job has evolved.

Since 1 May 2026, the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act has changed some of the fundamentals of private renting in England, including the abolition of Section 21, the move to assured periodic tenancies and new rules around possession, rent increases, rental bidding and pets.

Now the national database is next.

For responsible landlords who already look after their properties, maintain the right certificates and take their legal responsibilities seriously, much of the database will be about proving what you’re already doing.

The challenge is making sure everything is correct, current and ready when you need it.

Which is where the agent you choose really matters.

LICENSED AGENTS. LOCAL EXPERTS. ON TOP OF THE DETAIL.

There’s a big difference between someone who can advertise your property and a professional letting agent who can help you manage the responsibilities that come with it.

Bridges is a fully licensed and accredited letting agent. We’re members of ARLA, Propertymark, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), giving landlords the reassurance of recognised professional standards alongside experienced local people who understand the market.

And with regulation continuing to grow, that matters.

Our Lettings and Property Management teams help landlords across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire stay on top of the detail – from safety and compliance checks to tenancy management, maintenance and the everyday running of their investment.

We know the legislation. We know the local market. And we get things done.

OUR JOB IS TO KEEP YOU AHEAD OF WHAT’S NEXT

We don’t expect our landlords to spend their evenings interpreting legislation or trying to work out which property rule changed last Tuesday.

That’s our world.

As the new landlord database reaches our local areas, we’ll keep our landlords informed about what’s changing, what information is required and when action needs to be taken.

Because your time is better spent thinking about your property investment than maintaining a second career in property legislation.

READY TO MAKE LANDLORDING SIMPLER?

Whether you have one rental property or a growing portfolio, our licensed local Lettings and Property Management teams are here to help you stay compliant, protect your investment and achieve the best possible outcome from your property.

Got a question? Let’s talk it through.

Speak to your local Bridges team or book your free rental valuation today.