Landlord Registration in England: PRS Database and Local Licensing
There is no single UK-wide landlord registration rule. In England, a national Private Rented Sector Database is planned to begin rolling out by area from late 2026, while council licensing schemes already apply in some places. This guide explains the difference and what to check before letting.
Is there a general landlord register in England now?
Not yet. As at July 2026, England does not have an open national register that every private landlord can join. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will create the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database, but the government plans to start a regional rollout from late 2026.
Do not confuse news about the future database with a current requirement to register everywhere. Wait for the official rollout guidance for the area where your property is located.
What is the PRS Database?
The PRS Database is a national system for private landlords and rented properties in England. The government says it will help landlords understand their duties, give tenants useful information before entering a tenancy and help councils target enforcement.
When registration is switched on for an area, landlords in scope will need to register and pay an annual fee. The fee, precise rollout dates and final data requirements will be confirmed closer to launch.
What information is expected?
The government’s implementation roadmap says the minimum information is expected to include landlord contact details, information about joint landlords where relevant, and property details such as the address, type of home, bedrooms and occupancy information.
It is also expected to include key safety information, including gas, electrical and energy performance certificate details. Keep these documents organised, but rely on the official registration instructions for the definitive list.
How is registration different from local licensing?
The PRS Database will be national. Local licensing is run by councils and can cover HMOs, selective licensing areas or additional licensing schemes. A property may need a local licence even if the database is not yet operating in its area.
Check the website of the council where the property is located. The answer can depend on the area, number of occupiers, household arrangements and the type of property.
Does this apply outside England?
Housing law is devolved. Scotland has its own landlord registration system, and Wales has separate Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing arrangements. This guide is about England and should not be used to decide what applies to a property elsewhere in the UK.
For a property outside England, use the relevant devolved government guidance and the local authority’s information.
What should landlords do now?
Check whether each property needs an HMO, selective or additional licence now. Keep your current gas safety record, EICR, EPC, deposit information and licence correspondence together for each address.
Watch GOV.UK for the PRS Database rollout announcement. RentClock can help track documents and deadlines, but it cannot confirm whether a licence applies or complete an official registration for you.
The planned landlord ombudsman
The new PRS Landlord Ombudsman is a separate measure planned for phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation. The government currently expects mandatory membership in 2028, after the scheme has been set up and given time to prepare.
Until official instructions are published, be cautious about services that claim to register landlords for the new ombudsman or database.
Frequently asked questions
No. The government plans to start a regional rollout from late 2026. Follow official guidance for your area before taking action.
No. The database is a national England-wide system. HMO, selective and additional licensing are separate council-run schemes.
No. Landlords may need to comply with both the national database and a local licensing scheme.
Keep your contact details, property information, current gas safety record, EICR, EPC and any local licence details organised. The official scheme will confirm exactly what must be submitted.
Related landlord guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always check GOV.UK or a professional for your specific situation.