Published by Belvoir Guildford October 2026
The private rental market is continuing to change, and landlords across the Guildford and the South East need to prepare for another important development: the introduction of the Government’s new Register your rental property service.
As part of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the new registration system will require landlords to register themselves and their rental properties on a national database. The aim is to improve transparency, raise standards across the private rented sector and help local authorities identify landlords who are not meeting their legal obligations.
For landlords with properties across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and the wider South East, understanding these changes now can help avoid last-minute complications.
In this guide, we explain what the new portal means, when registration is required and what landlords should do to prepare.
What is the new property registration portal?
The Government’s new Register your rental property service forms part of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 reforms.
It will create a central database containing information about private landlords and the properties they rent out. Landlords covered by the requirements will need to register themselves and each relevant property, provide the required information and pay the applicable registration fee (£65 per year per property).
The database is intended to help landlords demonstrate compliance, give councils better tools to enforce housing standards and, as the service develops, allow prospective tenants to access relevant information about rental properties.
This is an important change for landlords who have previously managed their properties without a formal national registration system.
When does registration begin in the South East?
The service is being introduced in stages across England, rather than launching everywhere at once.
For properties in the South East, the published timetable is:
- 15 March 2027: The South East registration phase begins.
- 14 June 2027: The deadline for completing registration during the initial South East rollout period.
Landlords will have a three-month registration window once the requirements commence in their region.
Importantly, the relevant date is determined by the location of the rental property, not the landlord’s home address. If you own properties in different regions, you will need to check the deadline applicable to each one.
The Government has confirmed that landlords should initially register properties that are already let or become occupied during the rollout. Requirements for registering vacant properties before marketing them are expected to follow as the public-facing service develops.
Landlords should monitor official guidance for any changes to the timetable or requirements.
Who needs to register?
The registration requirements apply to landlords with properties let under assured or regulated tenancies, subject to the applicable statutory exemptions.
This means many private landlords across Guildford will need to register, including those who:
- Own a single buy-to-let property.
- Have a portfolio of rental houses or flats.
- Rent out several properties through a limited company.
- Use a letting agent to manage their properties.
- Live elsewhere but own rental property in the Guildford.
Using a letting agent does not automatically remove the landlord’s responsibility to comply. Landlords remain responsible for ensuring the required registration information is provided, although an agent or property manager may be able to help submit certain details on their behalf.
Some specific accommodation arrangements are exempt, so landlords should check the official guidance if they are unsure whether their property is covered.
What information will landlords need to provide?
Preparing your documents and property information in advance should make the registration process more straightforward.
The Government’s published guidance identifies several categories of information landlords should be ready to provide.
- Personal or business details
Individual landlords should prepare their:
- Full name and date of birth.
- Residential address.
- Telephone number.
- Email address.
Where a property is owned by a company or another organisation, additional information will be required, such as the organisation’s name, legal structure, contact details and relevant registration information.
- Property information
Landlords should gather accurate details for each rental property, including:
- Full property address.
- Type of property, such as a house or flat.
- Number of bedrooms.
- Ownership details.
- Whether the property is currently let.
- Relevant tenancy and occupancy information.
- Rent amount and payment frequency, where required.
If you own several properties, it is worth creating a separate digital file for each one so that information can be checked and submitted accurately.
- Safety certificates and compliance records
Landlords should also prepare the relevant property safety and energy-efficiency documentation, including:
- Gas Safety Certificate, where a gas safety check is legally required.
- Electrical safety information and the relevant Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
- Other tenancy or compliance information required for the property.
Registration is not a substitute for meeting your existing legal obligations. Landlords should ensure that required inspections are completed, certificates are valid where applicable and any identified safety issues are addressed.
How much will registration cost?
The Government has announced an annual registration fee of £65 per property, with a fee payable for each property registered.
For landlords with multiple properties, this cost will need to be factored into annual portfolio expenses. The Government has also indicated that fees will be adjusted during the phased rollout so that landlords registering earlier do not pay more simply because they register first.
For example, a landlord registering five properties should budget for the standard annual fee across the portfolio, subject to any applicable adjustment during the rollout.
Landlords should confirm the amount payable when completing the official registration process.
What happens if a landlord fails to register?
Registration is a legal requirement for landlords within scope, and failing to comply can result in enforcement action and financial penalties.
Landlords should not assume that a property is exempt simply because it is managed by an agent or because they have complied with other requirements, such as obtaining an EPC or arranging gas safety checks.
The new system introduces a further layer of compliance, making accurate records and timely registration increasingly important.
As the service develops, registration identifiers will also become relevant to property advertising requirements. Landlords and letting agents should follow the latest official instructions on when and how these identifiers must be displayed.
What should Guildford landlords do now?
Although the South East registration window does not begin until March 2027, preparing early is sensible, particularly for landlords with larger portfolios or properties requiring updated safety documentation.
We recommend taking the following steps:
- Review your property portfolio.
Make a list of every rental property you own, including its address, ownership structure and current tenancy status. - Check your compliance documents.
Review your gas safety records, electrical safety reports and EPCs, and arrange any outstanding checks or remedial work. - Organise your landlord information.
Ensure your personal or company details and contact information are accurate and up to date. - Budget for the registration fee.
Allow for the annual charge for each property, alongside your existing maintenance, insurance and compliance costs. - Speak to your letting agent.
If an agent manages your property, discuss how they can support you with gathering information and keeping records organised. Remember that the landlord remains responsible for meeting the registration requirements. - Follow official updates.
Check the Government’s guidance before registration opens so that you understand the process and any changes to the requirements.
How can a local estate agent help?
Keeping up with changing legislation can be challenging, especially if you are balancing property management with work, family and other commitments.
A knowledgeable local letting agent can help you review your portfolio, organise compliance records, identify missing documentation and prepare for the new registration process.
At Belvoir Guildford we understand the importance of keeping landlords informed and helping them manage their properties with confidence. Whether you own one rental property or a growing portfolio across Surrey, getting organised early can make regulatory changes easier to manage.
If you are considering letting a property for the first time, reviewing your current arrangements or simply want to understand what the new rules mean for you, our team is happy to discuss your options.
Final thoughts
The new property registration portal is another significant development for private landlords in England. For the South East, the published registration period begins on 15 March 2027, with an initial deadline of 14 June 2027.
By reviewing your property details, checking your safety documentation and planning ahead, you can put yourself in a stronger position to meet the new requirements.
The rental market is changing, but preparation and good advice can help you stay informed and manage your investment responsibly.
Need help preparing your rental property for the changes?
Contact Belvoir Guildford today to discuss your property management or letting requirements.