Everything Landlords Need to Know About the New National Rental Database

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.