Landlord Compliance

Landlord Registration &
Legal Responsibilities

The Renters' Rights Act 2026 introduces a mandatory Private Rented Sector Database for all landlords in England. Combined with existing obligations — gas safety, deposit protection, Right to Rent — the compliance burden has never been greater. PDA Law helps landlords navigate every requirement.

Speak to a Landlord Solicitor01244 757 352

Renters' Rights Act 2026: The Act received Royal Assent and key provisions commenced on 1 May 2026. The PRS Database commencement date is to be confirmed by the Secretary of State. Landlords should prepare now.

Key Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords in England and Wales must comply with a wide range of legal obligations. Failure to meet these can result in civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or rent repayment orders.

Property Safety

Ensure the property is safe and fit for human habitation under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

Gas Safety

Annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Provide tenants with a copy of the certificate.

Electrical Safety

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years. Provide tenants with a copy.

Energy Performance

Provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a minimum E rating (proposed changes to C by 2030).

Smoke & CO Alarms

Smoke alarm on every floor, carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a solid fuel appliance.

Deposit Protection

Protect the tenant's deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days and provide prescribed information.

Right to Rent

Check all adult occupiers have the legal right to live in the UK before granting a tenancy.

Repairs & Maintenance

Responsible for the structure, exterior, and installations for water, gas, electricity, and sanitation.

The New Private Rented Sector Database

The Renters' Rights Act 2026 creates a new mandatory Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database for England. All landlords will be required to register themselves and their properties. The database will be publicly accessible.

Landlords who fail to register will commit a criminal offence. Local authorities will use the database to identify and take action against non-compliant landlords.

The commencement date for the PRS Database requirement is to be confirmed by the Secretary of State. Landlords should begin preparing their records and documentation now.

Register landlord details and all rental properties
Publicly accessible — tenants can check landlord registration
Used by local authorities for enforcement
Failure to register is a criminal offence
Commencement date to be confirmed by Secretary of State

Wales: Rent Smart Wales

In Wales, landlord registration has been mandatory since 2015. All landlords with rental property in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales. Landlords who manage their own properties must also obtain a licence.

Registration required for all landlords with Welsh properties
Licence required for self-managing landlords
Renewal every 5 years
Criminal offence to operate without registration/licence
Wales Landlord Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Do landlords need to register in England?
Currently, there is no mandatory national landlord registration scheme in England. However, the Renters' Rights Act 2026 introduces a Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database, which all landlords in England will be required to register with. The commencement date for this requirement is expected to be confirmed by the Secretary of State. In Wales, landlord registration with Rent Smart Wales has been mandatory since 2015.
What is the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database?
The PRS Database is a new national register for landlords and properties in the private rented sector in England, introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2026. Landlords will be required to register themselves and their properties. Failure to register will be a criminal offence. The database will be publicly accessible and will also be used by local authorities to enforce housing standards.
What are a landlord's main legal responsibilities?
Landlords in England and Wales have extensive legal responsibilities including: ensuring the property is safe and habitable (Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018), carrying out gas safety checks annually, providing an Energy Performance Certificate, installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, protecting the tenant's deposit in an approved scheme, carrying out Right to Rent checks, providing prescribed information to tenants, and complying with the Renters' Rights Act 2026 from 1 May 2026.
What is Rent Smart Wales?
Rent Smart Wales is the mandatory landlord registration and licensing scheme for landlords and letting agents operating in Wales. All landlords who own rental property in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales. Landlords who manage their own properties must also obtain a licence. Failure to register or obtain a licence is a criminal offence in Wales.
What new responsibilities do landlords have under the Renters' Rights Act 2026?
From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act introduces significant new obligations for landlords in England: all tenancies become periodic (rolling) tenancies — fixed terms are abolished; Section 21 "no-fault" evictions are abolished; landlords must register with the new PRS Database; landlords must join a government-approved Ombudsman scheme; rent increases are limited to once per year and must follow a new process; landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets; and new grounds for possession under Section 8 are introduced.
What happens if a landlord fails to meet their legal responsibilities?
Consequences for failing to meet landlord responsibilities vary by obligation. They can include: civil penalties of up to £40,000 for certain Renters' Rights Act breaches; criminal prosecution; rent repayment orders (tenants can claim back up to 12 months' rent); prohibition orders preventing the property from being let; and inclusion on the Rogue Landlord Database.

Need Help with Landlord Compliance?

PDA Law's landlord solicitors advise on registration requirements, legal responsibilities, and the Renters' Rights Act 2026. Contact us for a clear, practical assessment of your obligations.

Make an Enquiry01244 757 352