Renters' Rights Bill Part 3 - The New Private Rented Sector Database – What Landlords Need to Know
As part of the significant reforms introduced by the Renters’ Rights Bill, the government is launching a new national Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database. This new system is designed to increase transparency, improve enforcement, and help local authorities access vital information about rented properties and their landlords.
The PRS Database will serve as a central register for:
- All private landlords in England
- Every rental property in the private rented sector
Landlords will be legally required to register themselves and each of their properties on the database, and to ensure that all information is up to date.
Landlords will be required to be record details about their identity, the property and the tenant. It is understood that they will be required to record when the property is being marketed for rent as well as when it is rented. Landlords will be able to do this online and there will be a fee payable.
The database is also intended to provide guidance for Landlords.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The local authority will be able to enforce any failure to register or provide accurate information with fines of up to £7,000, with repeat or serious breaches potentially leading to criminal sanctions or fines of up to £40,000. Additionally, a Landlord will not be able to serve notice on a tenant if they have not registered on the database.
For landlords this is a new regulatory obligation that must be carefully managed.
How We Can Help
At Barwells, we help landlords navigate new compliance requirements under the Renters’ Rights Bill. From registration support to documentation reviews, our experts are here to ensure your portfolio remains protected.
By Lauren Chambers – Practice Director, Director, Head of Litigation
