New Landlord Registration Scheme: What Property Owners Need to Know

The Government is introducing a new 'Register your Rental Property' service in England, creating a national register of private rented properties. While the scheme will be rolled out in phases across the country, we wanted to give landlords an early heads-up on what to expect and how to prepare.

What is changing?

Under the new system, landlords will be required to register their rental properties through a Government portal and pay an annual registration fee.

The process is intended to improve standards within the private rented sector and create a central record of rental properties across England.

What do landlords need to do?

Current guidance confirms that landlords will need to:

• Start the registration process themselves
• Register each rental property
• Pay the annual registration fee
• Keep information up to date throughout the year

Importantly, the registration cannot be delegated from the outset. The landlord must initiate the process before any further support can be provided.

Can letting agents help?

Once a landlord has begun the registration process, they may be able to nominate a letting agent to assist with providing and maintaining certain information.

This may include:

• Property licensing details
• Occupancy information
• Furnishing information
• Rental amounts and details of any bills included within the rent
• Gas Safety Certificate information
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) details
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) information

Agents who are nominated to assist will be responsible for ensuring the information they submit is accurate, making it even more important that property records and compliance documents are kept up to date.

When does it start?

The scheme is being introduced region by region across England.

For landlords in our area, the rollout is not expected to begin until April, meaning there is still time before registration becomes necessary.

This phased approach should prove beneficial, as other regions will be using the service before it reaches us. As a result, any initial technical issues or process challenges should hopefully be identified and resolved before local landlords are required to register.

Why compliance is becoming more important than ever

Over recent years, landlords have seen a significant increase in regulatory requirements, including:

• Gas Safety Regulations
• Electrical safety requirements
• Minimum EPC standards
• Right to Rent obligations
• Deposit protection rules
• The forthcoming Renters' Rights reforms

The introduction of a national registration system is another step towards greater regulation and transparency within the private rented sector.

For many landlords, particularly those who self-manage, these changes may prompt a review of whether they wish to continue handling compliance and administration themselves or seek professional support.

What should landlords do now?

At present, there is no immediate action required.

We recommend ensuring that your property's compliance documents are current and that you stay informed as further guidance is released.

At Hodsons, we will be monitoring developments closely and keeping landlords updated as more information becomes available. We will also provide further guidance on how we may be able to assist landlords once the registration process has been fully established.

Need advice?

Whether you currently self-manage your property or already use a letting agent, our team is happy to discuss your options and help you navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape.

If you would like to speak with us about property management, landlord compliance, or the upcoming registration requirements, please get in touch with the Hodsons Lettings team.