Do you know what the new landlord PRS database is? Or the Landlord Ombudsman Database is?

Do you know what the new landlord PRS database is? Or the Landlord Ombudsman Database is?

The majority of people will have seen the news recently, with the Renters’ Rights Act a hot topic of conversation as it brings some of the biggest legal changes to the private rented sector in decades.

One of the most important changes is the creation of a mandatory national landlord database, called the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database.

Every landlord in England will soon need to register themselves and each property they let. This might seem simple, but the process is more complicated than it appears. Failing to comply can lead to serious consequences.
 

What Is the New Landlord Database?
The PRS Database is a central government register designed to:

• Verify the identity of every landlord
• Log every rental property in England
• Store essential compliance documents
• Help tenants check landlord credibility
• Support local authorities in enforcement

For the first time, you must register and stay compliant to legally rent out a property. This is required and will change how landlords do business. 

When Will the PRS Database Come Into Effect?

• Although the Renters’ Rights Act has been enacted, the database will be implemented in phases. The government has confirmed the following:
• The database framework is already established
• Registration will begin during 2026
• Landlords will legally be required to register once the start dates are confirmed
• Penalties will apply shortly afterwards 

This phased rollout is intended to provide landlords with sufficient time to prepare; however, preparation should begin immediately. We previously touched on failing to comply can lead to serious consequences: 

• You may lose the legal right to let your property
• You could face civil penalties and significant fines
• You may be barred from regaining possession of your property
• You could be prevented from serving certain notices
• Your property may be flagged to the local authority for investigation
• Tenants will be able to view your non-compliance via the public-facing portal

If you work with a property management company, are you confident they are ahead of every change and are ensuring you and your property are fully compliant? If you manage your own property, do you understand the risks of mistakes? We have been letting and managing properties since the 1960s, and we stay up to date on all the changes that could impact our clients this year. We are ready to help.

Our reputation as a property management company stretches from Cambridge city centre to the surrounding areas, with branches in Longstanton, St Neots, Ware, and Royston. We also serve the prime Hertfordshire area and extend our services into London. We manage a range of properties, including HMO rooms, houses, flats, and unique rentals with high-quality finishes.