New Mandatory Rental Property Register Announced
The Government has today (29 October 2026) published new guidance outlining how landlords and letting agents will be required to use the new Register Your Rental Property service, marking another significant change for England's private rental sector.
Introduced as part of the Renters' Rights Act 2026, the new system will require private landlords to register themselves and their rental properties on a national database, with an annual registration fee and ongoing responsibilities to keep information up to date.
For landlords across Surrey, Sussex, Kent and the surrounding areas, there are some important dates and requirements to be aware of.
So, what exactly is changing, how much will it cost, and what will landlords need to do?
What Is the New Rental Property Register?
The new Register Your Rental Property service is a Government-run database designed to create a clearer picture of privately rented homes across England.
Its aim is to improve transparency, strengthen compliance and help local authorities identify landlords and properties that fail to meet their legal obligations.
The register will hold information about landlords, their rental properties, tenancy arrangements and important safety documentation.
Registration will be a legal requirement, not an optional scheme.
When Will Landlords Need to Register?
The Government has confirmed that registration will be introduced gradually across England, beginning in December 2026.
For landlords in our main operating areas, the important dates are:
South East England (including Surrey, Sussex and Kent)
- Registration opens: 15 March 2027
- Registration deadline: 14 June 2027
London
- Registration opens: 15 July 2027
- Registration deadline: 14 October 2027
The first region to begin registration will be the West Midlands on 15 December 2026, with the nationwide rollout continuing throughout 2027.
During the initial rollout, registration generally applies to properties already let under an assured periodic or regulated tenancy, or properties that become let after their regional deadline. Certain exemptions apply.
The Government also intends to introduce a further requirement for landlords to register vacant properties before advertising them for rent.
How Much Will Registration Cost?
The Government has confirmed an annual registration fee of £65 per rental property, rather than per landlord.
For example:
- One rental property: £65 per year
- Three rental properties: £195 per year
- Five rental properties: £325 per year
The fee is not subject to VAT, and there is no additional charge for updating registration information.
Importantly, the Government has confirmed that initial registration fees during the rollout will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis, meaning landlords registering before November 2027 will not necessarily pay the full £65 immediately.
What Information Will Landlords Need to Provide?
The registration process will involve more than simply entering a property address.
Landlords will need to provide details about themselves and their rental properties, together with information relating to tenancy arrangements and compliance.
This will include:
- Property address and details
- Number of bedrooms
- Details of managing agents, where applicable
- Number of tenants and households
- Monthly rental amount
- Whether the property is furnished or unfurnished
- Details of any bills included in the rent
- Gas safety certification, where applicable
- Electrical safety documentation (EICR or EIC)
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- HMO or other property licensing details, where applicable
Once a property has been registered, any outstanding required information must be provided within 28 days.
Landlords will also be responsible for updating relevant information within 28 days of any changes, including rent adjustments, changes in occupancy or renewed safety certificates.
This creates an ongoing administrative responsibility rather than a one-off registration exercise.
Can Your Letting Agent Handle the Registration?
This is one of the most important points clarified in today's Government announcement.
Landlords will remain legally responsible for registering themselves and their properties.
They must initiate each property registration and pay the applicable fee.
However, landlords will be able to authorise their letting or managing agent to provide certain additional information on their behalf.
For example, an agent may be able to submit tenancy details, rental amounts, licensing information and safety certificates, as well as keeping these records updated.
The Government has confirmed that this assistance will be voluntary, meaning landlords and agents should agree how responsibilities will be handled.
Even where an agent is authorised to help, the landlord retains the ultimate legal responsibility for ensuring their registration is complete and accurate.
What Happens If a Landlord Doesn't Register?
Failing to comply with the new registration requirements could have serious consequences.
The Government has confirmed that landlords may face financial penalties of up to £7,000 for failing to register.
More serious breaches, including knowingly or recklessly providing false or misleading information or repeated or continuing breaches of certain requirements, could result in penalties of up to £40,000.
There are also circumstances in which tenants may be able to apply for Rent Repayment Orders.
With these potential penalties in place, it will be increasingly important for landlords to ensure their property records and compliance documentation are properly maintained.
Will This Affect Advertising Rental Properties?
Yes, although these additional requirements will be introduced at a later stage.
The Government has confirmed plans to make registration compulsory before a rental property can be marketed or advertised.
Once this requirement comes into force, letting agents will need to check that both the landlord and property are registered before advertising.
Property advertisements will also need to display two registration numbers:
Landlord registration number: L-XXXX-XXXX
Property registration number: P-XXXX-XXXX
The Government has not yet brought these advertising requirements into force, and further guidance will follow.
What Should Landlords Do Now?
Although registration for landlords across the South East will not begin until March 2027, we would encourage landlords to start preparing.
Ensuring that gas safety certificates, electrical reports, EPCs, licensing information and tenancy records are readily available will help make the registration process more straightforward.
Landlords with multiple properties should also consider how they intend to manage registration deadlines and ongoing updates across their portfolio.
For those using a letting or managing agent, now is a sensible time to establish what assistance will be available.
How Clarendons Can Help
At Clarendons, we understand that the growing number of legislative and compliance requirements can feel increasingly demanding for landlords.
From changes introduced under the Renters' Rights Act to the forthcoming national property register, there is more than ever to consider when letting and managing a property.
Our experienced lettings and property management teams remain committed to keeping our landlords informed, helping them understand their responsibilities and supporting them through changes to the private rental sector.
We will continue to monitor the Government's announcements and provide further updates as the new registration service approaches its launch.
Are you a landlord looking for professional advice or assistance managing your rental property?
Whether you own a single buy-to-let investment or a larger property portfolio, our team would be delighted to discuss how we can help.
Contact your local Clarendons office today to find out more about our lettings and property management services.
Source: GOV.UK – Register your rental property service: guidance for letting agents and property managers, published 29 October 2026.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on Government guidance available as of 29 October 2026. Requirements and implementation dates may be subject to further updates. Landlords should refer to official Government guidance for their individual circumstances.
