Landlord guide
Landlord Database & PRS Ombudsman UK 2026: What Landlords Must Do
Reviewed by a qualified UK housing solicitor • Updated: May 2026
Sources: GOV.UK, Shelter England, NRLA, Citizens Advice
Reading time: ~8 min
Law changed 1 May 2026 — this page reflects current rules.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 creates two new central institutions for England's private rented sector: a mandatory landlord database and the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Ombudsman. Both begin phased rollout in late 2026.
What Is the Landlord Database?
A central, GOV.UK-operated register of every private landlord and rental property in England. Modelled on Scotland's existing landlord registration scheme. Tenants will be able to verify their landlord and check compliance status.
Who Must Register?
Every private landlord letting on an assured tenancy. Letting agents may register on the landlord's behalf but the legal duty remains with the landlord.
What Information Is Required?
Landlord identity and contact details, every property address, current EPC rating, gas and electrical certificate status, and any selective/HMO licence held with the local authority.
What Tenants Can Check
Once live, tenants will be able to confirm their landlord is registered, see EPC, gas and EICR status (yes/no, not the certificates themselves), and view any past enforcement action.
What Happens If You Don't Register?
Failure to register blocks the use of certain Section 8 grounds, attracts financial penalties (expected £5,000–£7,000) and may invalidate possession claims.
Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
A mandatory, free-to-tenants dispute resolution body. Landlords must join. Tenants can complain about property condition, communication, refusals to authorise pets, and other tenancy issues. Decisions are binding on the landlord up to a cap (expected £25,000).
Frequently asked questions
When does the landlord database go live?+
Phased rollout from late 2026 with all landlords expected to be registered during 2027.
Do letting agents need to register separately?+
Yes — letting agents already require client money protection and redress scheme membership. The new database is in addition.
Is the landlord database public?+
Tenant-facing information will be limited. Full landlord details are accessible to local authorities and enforcement bodies.
What is the PRS Ombudsman for?+
Resolving tenant complaints about their landlord, free of charge, with binding outcomes including compensation, apologies and required action.
What if a tenant raises a complaint via the Ombudsman?+
You must respond within the Ombudsman's deadlines. Failure to comply with a final decision is itself an offence.