England protects renters with new landlord registration
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The UK government will require all landlords in England to register their rental properties, giving local councils tools to identify and act against those who violate standards.
Starting December 15, 2026, landlords in the West Midlands will be the first to sign up to the “Register your rental property” service, with a full rollout across England expected by November 14, 2027. Landlords who fail to register could face fines.
The new system aims to increase transparency for renters, allowing them to verify a landlord’s registration and confirm they are following the rules. Councils will use the registration data to more quickly address issues with poorly managed properties and pursue negligent landlords. In the future, prospective landlords will need to register before they can offer properties for rent.
Additionally, the government is shifting responsibility for initial decisions on rent increase challenges from the First-tier Tribunal to HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC’s) Valuation Office. Officials expect this change will speed up dispute resolution for both renters and landlords. Renters challenging increases will not have to pay the higher amount until the Valuation Office or Tribunal reaches a final decision.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook stated the registration service will “empower tenants, support responsible landlords and help councils enforce” the Renters’ Rights Act. The government intends for this to create a fairer rental market, rewarding compliant landlords while deterring those who do not meet standards.
