Future Changes — PRS Database & Ombudsman
The government plans further reforms in later phases of the Renters' Rights Act, including a Private Rented Sector Database and a Landlord Ombudsman. These are expected from late 2026 and will significantly increase transparency and accountability in the private rented sector.
Book a Rental ValuationWhat's Coming in Later Phases
Private Rented Sector Database
A national database of private landlords and their properties is planned as part of the later phases of the Renters' Rights Act. All private landlords will be required to register their properties on the database.
The database will be used to track compliance, enforcement history and property standards. Local authorities will be able to use the database to identify landlords who are not complying with their legal obligations.
Expected: Late 2026 onwards
Landlord Ombudsman
A free complaints service for tenants to raise complaints about their landlord is planned. All private landlords will be required to be members of the Ombudsman scheme.
The Ombudsman will be able to investigate complaints, require landlords to take action and award compensation to tenants. Landlords who fail to comply with Ombudsman decisions may face enforcement action.
Expected: Late 2026 onwards
What This Means for Landlords
The PRS Database and Landlord Ombudsman represent a significant increase in transparency and accountability for private landlords. Landlords who are not complying with their legal obligations will find it harder to avoid enforcement action.
Registration Will Be Mandatory
All private landlords will be required to register their properties on the PRS Database. Failure to register may result in financial penalties and enforcement action by local authorities.
Compliance History Will Be Visible
The database will record compliance history, enforcement action and property standards. This information will be accessible to local authorities and, potentially, to tenants.
Tenant Complaints Will Be Easier
The Landlord Ombudsman will make it easier for tenants to raise complaints about their landlord. Landlords who do not respond to complaints appropriately may face Ombudsman investigations.
Good Landlords Have Nothing to Fear
Landlords who comply with their legal obligations and manage their properties well have nothing to fear from these changes. The new systems are designed to target non-compliant landlords.
Prepare Now
Build a compliance record before registration opens
The best way to prepare for the PRS Database and Landlord Ombudsman is to ensure your properties are fully compliant now. Our managed lettings service maintains comprehensive compliance records for all managed properties — giving you a clear audit trail when registration opens.
View managed lettingsFrequently Asked Questions
When will the PRS Database launch?
The PRS Database is expected to launch in late 2026, as part of the later phases of the Renters' Rights Act. The exact date has not yet been confirmed. Landlords should monitor government announcements for updates.
Will I need to pay to register on the PRS Database?
The government has indicated that there will be a registration fee for the PRS Database. The exact fee has not yet been confirmed. Landlords should factor this into their planning.
What happens if I don't register on the PRS Database?
Failure to register on the PRS Database is likely to result in financial penalties and enforcement action by local authorities. Landlords who are not registered may also find it harder to enforce their rights against tenants.
How will the Landlord Ombudsman work?
The Landlord Ombudsman will be a free service for tenants to raise complaints about their landlord. Landlords will be required to be members and to respond to complaints within a specified timeframe. The Ombudsman will be able to investigate complaints and award compensation.
Book a Rental Valuation
Tell us about your property and we will explain how our managed service prepares you for the upcoming changes.
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