Landlord register opens 15 December: West Midlands landlords go first
From 15 December 2026, private landlords in England must start registering themselves and their properties on the new national landlord register. The West Midlands goes first, which includes Stoke-on-Trent, so many local landlords will be among the first to have to act.
What is the register?
The Private Rented Sector Database, which landlords use through the government’s “Register your rental property” service, was created by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Every private landlord letting a home in England, including HMO landlords, under an assured or regulated tenancy must register, however many properties they own. It is separate from the new Landlord Ombudsman, which landlords will also have to join later.
Key dates
- West Midlands: registration opens 15 December 2026, deadline 14 March 2027.
- East of England: opens 15 January 2027, deadline 14 April 2027.
- Other regions: a new region opens on the 15th of each month until August 2027, each with about three months to register.
Your deadline depends on where the property is, not where you live.
What you will receive
Once registered you get a Landlord Registration Number, plus a separate Property Registration Number for each home. Your landlord number will need to appear in property adverts.
What happens if you don’t register
- Councils can issue civil penalties of up to £7,000, and up to £40,000 for more serious offences.
- Tenants can apply for a rent repayment order covering up to 24 months’ rent paid while the landlord was unregistered.
Getting ready
- List every property you let, with the legal owners of each.
- Gather gas safety, electrical and EPC certificates and deposit protection details.
- Check that tenancies have moved onto the post-1 May 2026 periodic regime and that tenants have the Renters’ Rights Act information sheet.
- Put your region’s deadline in the diary.
Our lettings team can handle registration and compliance for properties we manage. Find out about our lettings service.
Related reading
- Interest rates rise to 4% as house prices stall: November 2026 market update
- BRRR explained: buy, refurbish, rent, refinance when rates are higher
- Key10x lettings and property management
Sources
- HCR Law: Private Rented Sector Database to go live from 15 December 2026
- Osbornes Law: PRS Database registration guide
- August: PRS database registration deadlines
- GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act implementation roadmap
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Speak to a qualified adviser about your own circumstances.