The New Landlord Database: What It Is, When It Starts, and Why Landlords Need Expert Help to Stay Compliant

The New Landlord Database: What It Is, When It Starts, and Why Landlords Need Expert Help to Stay Compliant

The Renters’ Rights Act is introducing some of the biggest legal changes the private rented sector has seen in decades — and one of the most significant is the creation of a mandatory national landlord database, officially known as the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database).

Every landlord in England will soon need to register both themselves and every property they let. While this may sound straightforward, the reality is far more complex — and non-compliance comes with serious consequences.

For landlords across Hailsham, Eastbourne, Polegate and wider East Sussex, this is a major shift, and understanding your new obligations now is vital.

Below is everything you need to know — and why using a professional agent like Bates & Co Lettings will protect you from costly mistakes.

What Is the New Landlord Database?

The PRS Database is a central government register designed to:

• Verify the identity of every landlord
• Log every rental property in England
• Store essential compliance documents
• Help tenants check landlord credibility
• Support local authorities in enforcement

For the first time, your ability to legally rent out a property will depend on proper registration and ongoing compliance. This is not optional, and it will fundamentally change the way landlords operate.

When Will the PRS Database Come Into Effect?

Although the Renters’ Rights Act is already law, the database will be rolled out in phases. The government has confirmed that:

• The database framework is already established
• Registration requirements will begin during 2026
• Landlords will be legally required to register once the relevant commencement dates are activated
• Penalties will apply shortly afterwards

This staggered rollout is designed to give landlords time to prepare — but that preparation must start now.

What Will Landlords Need to Do?

Once the database goes live, landlords will need to:

1. Register themselves as a landlord

This includes verifying your identity, providing contact details, and proving your eligibility to operate legally.

2. Register every rental property

Each property must be registered individually, with full details including:

• Address
• EPC rating
• Gas Safety Certificate
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Licensing status (if applicable)
• Proof of compliance with safety regulations

3. Upload all required documents — correctly

The database will require accurate, up-to-date and legally valid documents. Any expired, missing or incorrectly submitted paperwork may invalidate your registration.

4. Update the information regularly

Landlords must keep the database current — meaning every certificate renewal, licence update, or property change must be logged promptly.

5. Pay any associated registration fees

Most industry experts expect the system to operate similarly to licensing schemes — which usually include fees.

What Happens If a Landlord Fails to Register?

This is where the stakes get high.

If a landlord is not properly registered:

• You may lose the legal right to let your property
• You could face civil penalties and significant fines
• You may be barred from regaining possession of your property
• You could be prevented from serving certain notices
• Your property may be flagged to the local authority for investigation
• Tenants will be able to view your non-compliance via the public-facing portal

The government’s intention is clear: unregistered landlords will be unable to operate legally.

This is why professional support is no longer a luxury — it’s essential.

Why Compliance Will Be Difficult Without an Expert

On the surface, the database sounds simple. But in reality, the system will create layers of administrative, legal and compliance tasks that must be handled perfectly.

Landlords will need to navigate:

• Constantly updating legislation
• Detailed submission requirements
• Understanding which documents are legally valid
• Ensuring all safety certifications meet specific criteria
• Managing renewals and deadlines
• Risk of fines for even minor mistakes
• Increased enforcement by local councils

And because the database is linked to possession rights, even one small oversight can leave a landlord unable to legally regain possession — a nightmare scenario for anyone self-managing.

This is why going it alone will be extremely risky.

How Bates & Co Lettings Will Keep You Fully Compliant

At Bates & Co Lettings, we specialise in navigating legislation and compliance — so you don’t have to.

We will handle the entire registration process for you

From verifying landlord details to uploading documents to ensuring everything is legally correct.

We keep your compliance documents up-to-date

We track renewal dates, organise inspections, and ensure nothing ever lapses.

We manage updates and legal changes

As secondary legislation rolls out, we adapt your property compliance so you remain fully protected.

We audit all your properties for database readiness

Our team ensures your EPC, Gas Safety, EICR, licences and safety standards meet the requirements before database checks begin.

We protect your ability to regain possession

Because registration is linked to legal rights, ensuring everything is perfect is essential — and we guarantee that it is.

We remove the administrative burden completely

No forms, no deadlines, no legal risk — we handle it all.

Why Now Is the Time to Act

2026 is approaching quickly, and once the PRS Database goes live, landlords who aren’t prepared will face:

• Fines
• Loss of letting rights
• Delays gaining possession
• Increased scrutiny
• Legal disputes
• Void periods

By preparing now, you stay ahead of enforcement and avoid costly last-minute problems.

Bates & Co Lettings: Your Compliance Partner for the New Era of Renting

Whether you’re a landlord in Hailsham, Eastbourne or Polegate, the new legal landscape demands expertise, precision and vigilance. The days of casual self-management are over — and the risks of mistakes are too high.

With Bates & Co managing your property, you can be confident that:

• You are fully registered
• Your property is compliant
• You are protected legally
• Your documentation is correct
• You stay ahead of every change
• You avoid fines, penalties and enforcement

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