The rollout of a new national database called Register Your Rental Property **(**RYRP) will start in December. Here are the key facts and dates for landlords.
The next phase of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) is coming soon, in the form of a new landlord database.
It will launch on December 15 in the West Midlands, then roll out region by region throughout 2027.
Who needs to register?
Initially, all landlords with tenanted properties, or properties let out during the roll-out phase, will have to register. (Empty properties will be exempt.) Failure to follow the new rules could result in a hefty fine.
Further down the line, all prospective landlords will need to register empty rental properties before marketing them. But we’re not quite there yet.
What information needs to be provided?
Landlords must provide their name, date of birth, address and contact details. Organisational landlords will need to provide their Companies House registration number.
Other details required include the address of the rental property and information about the number of bedrooms, occupants and households.
Landlords must also outline the rent charged (and if it covers utilities) and whether the property is furnished or requires a licence such as an HMO licence. Gas and electrical safety information, and the property’s EPC rating must also be supplied.
For further details, visit https://tinyurl.com/3hs8am9u
Why?
The government says the database will empower tenants, improve compliance and stamp out cowboy operators.
RYRP will also provide HM Revenue and Customs’ Valuation Office (VO) with rental data. Ultimately, this will be used by the VO to determine if proposed rent increases are fair. (Until this system is up and running, tenants who wish to challenge rent increases must go through a First-tier Tribunal.)
When?
Here’s a region-by-region rundown of when RYRP registration opens and closes.
| Region | Registration opens | Registration closes |
|---|---|---|
| West Midlands | 15 December, 2026 | 14 March, 2027 |
| East of England | 15 January, 2027 | 14 April, 2027 |
| East Midlands | 15 February, 2027 | 14 May, 2027 |
| South East | 15 March, 2027 | 14 June, 2027 |
| Yorkshire and Humber | 15 April, 2027 | 14 July, 2027 |
| North West | 15 May, 2027 | 14 August, 2027 |
| North East | 15 June, 2027 | 14 September, 2027 |
| London | 15 July, 2027 | 14 October, 2027 |
| South West | 15 August, 2027 | 14 November, 2027 |
How much?
Registration costs £65 per property, per year. Originally, the plan was to charge landlords just under £30 to register for three years, so the fee structure has irked some in the industry.
What’s next?
Note down the relevant registration deadline and start compiling the required information (most compliant landlords will already have this already).
While landlords are responsible for commencing and ending the registration process, letting agents can provide information to the database on behalf of their clients. The government has promised further guidance on this in the coming months.
If you’d like support navigating the registration process, or any other aspects of the RRA, we can help. Save yourself time and stress. Call us today.
