The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a new requirement for private landlords in England to register themselves and their privately rented properties on the government’s ‘Register your rental property’ service.
The aim is to help renters make more informed decisions about where they live, resolve disputes more efficiently and have greater confidence in their landlords. For landlords, the register is intended to create a fairer rental market, allowing those who maintain good standards to demonstrate their commitment, while making it harder for rogue landlords to undercut responsible property owners.
The service will launch regionally from 15 December 2026. Once the service opens in your region, you’ll have three months to complete your registration.
In this guide, we explain who needs to register, when you need to do it, how much it will cost and what happens if you fail to comply.
How do you register?
You will register using GOV.UK One Login, with the option to verify your identity. If you do not have access to digital services, you will also be able to apply using a paper-based application.
Who needs to register?
You are required to register if you let residential property in England on an assured or regulated tenancy. This requirement applies to both individual landlords and organisations.
You do not need to register if you operate a tenancy that falls within the definition of supported exempt accommodation under Section 12 of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.
What if I own a property with another landlord?
Individual registration is required: Every co-owner must register in their own right.
One landlord registers the property details and sends invitations to the other joint owners to join the property registration.
You must register if you own a share of the property and are entitled to possession, regardless of whether your name appears on the tenancy contract.
What if I rent out property through a company or organisation?
Companies, charities, trusts, limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and Scottish partnerships are all classed as organisation landlords.
When registering, you will need to provide relevant organisational details, including:
- Details of directors, trustees and other members of the governing body (unless you provide a Companies House number)
- A contact for the organisation
- Your Companies House number, if applicable
- Your Charity Commission number, if applicable
Anyone within your organisation can complete the initial registration. Once registered, they can add other team members who will be able to register and update properties.
When do landlords need to register?
The service will launch from 15 December 2026.
Each region will have a three-month registration window, during which you must register any occupied rental properties located in that region.
You can also register properties before the registration window opens in your region.
Your registration deadline will depend on where your rental property is located.
| Region | Registration opens | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 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 & Humberside | 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 |
To find out which region your property falls under:
You can use your property's postcode to find your local council.
You can also view the government's Regions of England and their local councils guide.
Do I need to register an unoccupied rental property?
Registration is not required for vacant homes during the initial rollout (15 December 2026 to 14 November 2027). You only need to register a property if it becomes occupied by tenants during this window.
Do I need to include my registration number in property adverts?
Displaying both landlord and property registration numbers on adverts will eventually become mandatory. Official guidance will be published before the requirement takes effect.
How do I register my rental property?
You'll need:
- Full postal address, number of bedrooms, and current occupancy status
- A correspondence address in England or Wales
- Contact details for any managing agents, superior landlords and freeholders
- You will then need to pay the property registration fee and will receive a property registration number
You will also need to provide additional information about your property, including:
- A gas safety certificate, if the property has a gas supply
- An electrical safety certificate
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Tenancy information, including the rent
- Relevant property licences, such as an HMO licence
You can submit this information when you first register or provide any outstanding details within 28 days.
If you fail to provide the outstanding information within 28 days, your property registration may be deactivated. This could mean you are no longer compliant with the requirement to have an active registration while letting out the property.
Your landlord registration will also be deactivated if you have no active properties registered on the service.
Do I need to register each room in an HMO separately?
No. If you rent out a property with an HMO licence, you only need to complete one registration for the entire property.
Can my letting agent register my property for me?
No. Landlords must initiate the registration process themselves.
Once a property registration number has been issued and the home is occupied, you may authorise a letting agent to submit the required tenancy records and health and safety information. However, the legal obligation to ensure the property record is completed within 28 days of registration remains solely with you.
How much does landlord registration cost?
The annual service fee is £65 per property, and VAT will not be charged.
You will pay this fee when registering each property and annually thereafter to keep your properties on the service. The service fee is also tax-deductible. You should refer to the relevant HMRC guidance when completing your tax return.
Are there fees for creating an account or updating details?
No. Registering yourself as a landlord is free, and there is no charge to amend your personal details or update your property records.
When will I need to renew my registrations?
All properties you own share a single annual renewal date, which is set exactly 12 months after you register your first property. Any additional homes you register later will automatically align to that same date.
What happens if I register early during the rollout?
Because registration rolls out in regional phases between December 2026 and November 2027, early registrants receive a pro-rated fee. Nationwide compliance is not mandatory until 15 November 2027, so any days between your initial registration and 15 November 2027 are free.
What are the penalties for failing to register?
Local councils can fine you up to £7,000 if you or your rental properties are unregistered. Fines can reach up to £40,000 if you deliberately provide false information or persistently break registration rules.
Can tenants apply for a Rent Repayment Order if I do not comply?
Yes. Under Section 98 of the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants can apply to the First-tier Tribunal to reclaim rent if you intentionally submit misleading details or commit repeat offences. This option becomes available to tenants starting 15 December 2026. However, tenants will only be able to apply for an RRO once the registration period has opened in the region where their property is located. Applications will be reviewed by the First-tier Tribunal.
You can find further information in Section 98 of the Renters’ Rights Act.
For more information visit the Government website.
Disclaimer - This is for general information purposes only and shouldn't be treated as legal advice. We recommend you consult an experienced solicitor if you need specific legal advice.