The new national Landlord Register (the Register Your Rental Property service) opens on 15 December 2026. Here's who needs to register, the £65 per-property fee, the regional deadlines — including 14 August 2027 for the North West — and how to prepare.
Important changes are coming for private landlords across England, and now is the time to start preparing.
The private rental sector is continuing to undergo significant changes following the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act 2025. One of the next major developments is the introduction of a new national Landlord Register, officially known as the Register Your Rental Property service.
Launching from 15th December 2026, this new government registration scheme will introduce a legal requirement for private landlords to register themselves and their rental properties.
But what exactly does this mean for landlords, when will you need to register, and what information will you need to provide?
Here's everything you need to know.
What Is the New Landlord Register?
The Government is introducing a national database designed to create greater transparency and accountability within the private rented sector.
The register will hold information about private landlords and the properties they rent out across England.
Its main aims are to:
- Improve standards across the private rental sector.
- Help local authorities identify and tackle rogue landlords.
- Give tenants greater confidence when choosing a rental property.
- Make it easier for landlords to demonstrate that they are meeting their legal responsibilities.
- Improve transparency and accountability within the industry.
The scheme forms part of the wider Renters' Rights Act reforms and is intended to create a more professional and transparent rental market.
When Is the Landlord Register Being Introduced?
The new registration service will open on 15th December 2026.
However, registration will be introduced gradually, region by region, rather than requiring every landlord in England to register on the same date.
Each region will have a three-month registration window.
The planned timetable is as follows:
| Region | Registration deadline |
|---|---|
| West Midlands | 14 March 2027 |
| East of England | 14 April 2027 |
| East Midlands | 14 May 2027 |
| South East | 14 June 2027 |
| Yorkshire and Humber | 14 July 2027 |
| North West | 14 August 2027 |
| North East | 14 September 2027 |
| London | 14 October 2027 |
| South West | 14 November 2027 |
For landlords in Bury and Greater Manchester: The North West registration period begins on 15th May 2027, with landlords required to complete registration by 14th August 2027.
Landlords will also be able to register earlier than their regional opening date, once the service launches on 15th December 2026.
Who Needs to Register?
The requirement applies to private landlords in England who rent out properties under assured or regulated tenancies.
This includes landlords who own just one rental property, as well as those with larger portfolios.
If you own several rental properties, each property will need its own registration.
Joint landlords will also need to ensure that the relevant landlord information is provided.
During the initial rollout, landlords will generally only need to register properties that are occupied by tenants or become occupied during the rollout period. Further requirements will apply to vacant properties before they can be marketed for rent.
How Much Will Landlord Registration Cost?
The Government has announced an annual registration fee of £65 per property.
This means landlords with multiple rental properties will need to budget for the registration cost for each property.
The fee will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis during the initial rollout, so landlords registering earlier will not pay more simply because their registration window opens first.
Registration will also need to be renewed annually.
What Information Will Landlords Need to Provide?
Landlords will need to provide information about themselves and each of their rental properties.
This will include details such as:
- Landlord's name and contact information.
- Full rental property address.
- Property type and number of bedrooms.
- Ownership and management information.
- Rental and tenancy details.
- Relevant gas safety information.
- Electrical safety information.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) information.
Landlords should start making sure their property records and compliance documents are up to date so that the registration process is as straightforward as possible.
What Happens If Landlords Fail to Register?
Registration is a legal requirement, not an optional scheme.
Landlords who fail to register when required could face financial penalties and restrictions relating to their ability to recover possession of their property.
It is therefore important not to overlook the new requirements or leave registration until the last minute.
How Can Letting Agents Help?
Although landlords remain legally responsible for registering themselves and their properties, letting agents and property managers will be able to assist with certain parts of the process.
A good letting agent can help landlords prepare their property information, review compliance documentation and ensure that important deadlines are not missed.
With the rental sector becoming increasingly regulated, having professional support can make managing your investment considerably easier.
How Should Landlords Prepare Now?
Although the registration service does not open until December 2026, there are several things landlords can do now:
- Check that all ownership and property details are correct.
- Make sure Gas Safety Certificates are up to date where required.
- Review electrical safety documentation.
- Check that each property has a valid EPC.
- Ensure tenancy and tenant records are accurate.
- Speak to your letting agent about how they can support you with the registration process.
Being organised now will help avoid unnecessary stress when registration opens.
Our Advice to Landlords
The introduction of the Landlord Register represents another significant step towards a more regulated private rental sector.
For responsible landlords who already maintain their properties properly and meet their legal obligations, the new system should be viewed as another administrative requirement rather than something to be worried about.
However, with registration becoming compulsory, it is important that all landlords understand what is expected of them and take action within the relevant registration period.
At McGowan Lettings, we understand that keeping up with changing legislation can be challenging. Our aim is to keep landlords informed, provide practical advice and help make property ownership and management as straightforward as possible.
If you are a landlord and would like advice about the upcoming Landlord Register or your wider property management responsibilities, please get in touch with our team. We are always happy to help.
Please note: This article is intended as general guidance and is based on Government information available as of November 2026. Requirements and implementation dates may be subject to further updates. Landlords should refer to the official Government guidance for the latest information.