7 July 2026 · 6 min read
The New Private Rented Sector Database — What Tenants Need to Know
Written by the RentingRights team, based on official GOV.UK guidance. Last reviewed: 7 July 2026.
A new Private Rented Sector Database is now part of the system that regulates landlords in England. It was introduced by the Renters Rights Act 2025 and came into force on 1 May 2026. The database is a central register of landlords and their properties. Its purpose is to make sure landlords meet basic legal standards, and to give tenants and local councils a way to check who is operating legally.
This is what the database means for you as a tenant, and how to use it.
What the database is and why it was created
The Private Rented Sector Database is a government register that holds information about landlords who let residential properties in England. It was created because private renting has grown, but enforcement of basic standards has been patchy. Some landlords ignore safety rules, fail to protect deposits, or evict tenants illegally. The database is meant to make it easier to identify bad landlords, and harder for them to keep operating without consequences.
By registering, landlords confirm their identity and link their properties to a record. Local councils can then use the database to check who is letting what, and to target enforcement where it is needed. For tenants, it creates a simple way to check whether a landlord is registered before or during a tenancy.
Which landlords have to register and when
Most private landlords in England who let residential properties must register. This includes individual landlords who own one or two properties, as well as larger landlords and letting agents acting on behalf of owners. The requirement applies to landlords who use written tenancy agreements and to many who operate informally.
The deadline for registration was 31 May 2026 for most landlords. Landlords who fail to register on time can be fined. If a property is managed by a letting agent, the landlord is still responsible for making sure the registration is correct, though the agent may help with the process.
How to check if your landlord is registered
You can check whether your landlord is registered by searching the database using the property address or the landlord's details. The database is designed to be accessible to tenants and the public, so you do not need special permission to use it.
To check, you need the property address and, if possible, the landlord's name or company name. If you only have the letting agent's name, that may be enough to find the linked registration. You can also ask your landlord directly for their registration number, which they should be able to give you.
If your landlord is not listed, that may mean they have failed to register, or the registration has lapsed. Either way, it affects your rights.
What happens if a landlord is not registered
A landlord who fails to register is breaking the law. They can be fined, and in some cases they may be banned from letting property. But the more immediate question for tenants is whether their landlord can still take legal action against them.
If your landlord is not registered, they may still be able to collect rent and carry out some parts of the tenancy. However, certain legal steps may be blocked or delayed. For example, if a landlord wants to serve a Section 8 notice to evict you, they may need to show they are registered. Registration is also likely to be checked by the court if the landlord tries to enforce a possession claim.
This does not mean you can stop paying rent or ignore the tenancy. It does mean you have extra leverage if your landlord is trying to evict you or raise the rent without following the rules. You should report an unregistered landlord to your local council.
How the database connects to other Renters Rights Act protections
The database is one part of a much bigger set of changes. The same Act that created it also abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions, made all tenancies periodic, limited rent increases, banned rental bidding wars, and introduced the Renters Rights Act Information Sheet 2026. You can read more about the information sheet in our guide to the Renters Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.
The database also connects to the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman. Landlords who are registered and fail to meet standards can be reported more easily, and the ombudsman can order remedies for tenants. This gives you a route to complain without going to court.
For evictions specifically, the database will make it harder for unregistered landlords to use the court system to remove tenants. The grounds a landlord must use are already set out in law, and you can read more about them in our guide to the grounds for possession in England.
What information the database holds and who can see it
The database holds basic information about the landlord and their properties. This includes the landlord's name and contact details, the property address, and the type of tenancy being used. It may also include information about compliance with safety rules, such as gas and electrical certificates, and whether the landlord has been subject to enforcement action.
The information is visible to local councils, tenants, and the public in most cases. Some personal details may be restricted for privacy reasons, but the fact that a landlord is registered and the properties they let should be searchable. This makes it easier for tenants to check whether they are dealing with a legitimate landlord before they sign a contract or hand over a deposit.
If you are about to rent a property, checking the database should be a basic step. If the landlord is not there, ask why. If they refuse to explain, that is a warning sign.
If you want to check whether your landlord is registered, or you think they are breaking the rules, get a free answer at rentingrights.co.uk, no account needed.
Disclaimer: RentingRights provides legal information only, not legal advice. This information reflects the law in England as of May 2026 and is sourced from GOV.UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Laws and guidance change, so always verify against current GOV.UK guidance before taking action. We are an independent service operated by Olivian Group Ltd and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the government. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified housing solicitor or contact Shelter on 0808 800 4444.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the Private Rented Sector Database?
- It is a central government register that records landlords and the properties they let in England. It was introduced by the Renters Rights Act 2025 and came into force on 1 May 2026.
- Do all landlords have to register?
- Most private landlords in England who let residential properties must register. There are limited exceptions, but the requirement covers most landlords and letting agents.
- How can I check if my landlord is registered?
- You can search the database using the property address or the landlord's name. Landlords should also be able to give you their registration number if you ask.
- What happens if my landlord is not registered?
- They can be fined and may be banned from letting property. They may also find it harder to use the courts to evict you or enforce certain notices. You should report them to your local council.
- Can an unregistered landlord evict me?
- They may try, but registration is likely to be checked if the case goes to court. If they are not registered, their ability to use legal eviction procedures may be affected. Get advice before you leave or ignore any notice.
- What information does the database hold?
- It holds the landlord's name and contact details, the property address, the tenancy type, and compliance information such as safety certificates. Most of this is searchable by tenants and the public.