The landlord register: when to register and what you need
England's new landlord register (the PRS Database) opens on 15 December 2026. Your region's deadline, the £65 fee, the documents you'll need and what happens if you don't register.
By Paul Ashley, Founder of LET NEXUS and landlord since 2015
Last reviewed · 4 min read
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, private landlords in England must register themselves and each property they let on a new government service called "Register your rental property", also known as the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database. It opens on 15 December 2026, starting with the West Midlands, and every let property must be registered by 14 November 2027.
Your deadline depends on where the property is, not where you live. A London landlord with a flat in Birmingham registers that flat in the West Midlands window.
Registration windows by region
Each region gets three months once its window opens. You can register any property early, from 15 December 2026.
- West Midlands: 15 December 2026 to 14 March 2027.
- East of England: 15 January 2027 to 14 April 2027.
- East Midlands: 15 February 2027 to 14 May 2027.
- South East: 15 March 2027 to 14 June 2027.
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 15 April 2027 to 14 July 2027.
- North West: 15 May 2027 to 14 August 2027.
- North East: 15 June 2027 to 14 September 2027.
- London: 15 July 2027 to 14 October 2027.
- South West: 15 August 2027 to 14 November 2027.
What it costs
£65 per property, each year. You renew every year. Fees are pro-rated during the rollout, so registering early doesn't cost more.
What you'll need
- A GOV.UK One Login account. Even if you use a letting agent, you start the registration yourself; your agent can add some of the details.
- The property's address and details, such as the number of bedrooms and the rent.
- Your current gas safety record (where there are gas appliances), electrical safety report (EICR) and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), to upload.
Who has to register
For now, properties that are let, or become let during the rollout. Empty properties will be covered by later rules. Supported exempt accommodation is excluded. The register is for England only; Wales and Scotland have their own schemes.
If you don't register
- Once your region's window has closed, your council can take action. Civil penalties go up to £7,000, and up to £40,000 or prosecution for serious or repeated breaches.
- Without an active registration you generally can't get a possession order, except on the anti-social behaviour grounds.
- Tenants may be able to apply for a rent repayment order.
Your checklist
- Find your region's window for each property you let
- Set up a GOV.UK One Login account
- Check your gas safety record, EICR and EPC are in date, and have copies ready to upload
- Budget £65 per property, each year
- Register before your window closes, and keep your details up to date
Find your region’s landlord register deadline
Frequently asked questions
Can my letting agent register for me?
Your agent can add some information, but you need to start the registration yourself with your GOV.UK One Login.
Can I register before my region's window opens?
Yes. You can register any property in England from 15 December 2026.
My property is empty. Do I need to register it?
Not yet. At the moment you only need to register properties that are let, or become let during the rollout. Empty properties will be covered later.
Official guidance
- GOV.UK: Guide to the Renters' Rights Act
- GOV.UK: Stronger protections and greater confidence for renters
- GOV.UK Housing Hub: Get ready to register
This guide is general information for landlords in England and isn’t legal advice. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and can change. Always check the official guidance or take professional advice for your situation.
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