The Act creates a national database of private landlords and their properties, and a compulsory ombudsman for private tenants' complaints. Both arrive after the tenancy rules.
What is changing
- The database, called the ‘register your rental property’ service, is being rolled out region by region from late 2026. Registration becomes compulsory in each region during 2027. There will be an annual fee.
- Once it applies to you, you must not market or let a property without active entries for both you and the property.
- Without active entries you cannot get a possession order, except on certain serious grounds such as anti-social behaviour.
- The ombudsman is expected to open in 2028. Its decisions will bind landlords, and it will be able to order an apology, repairs or compensation.
- Your letting agent's redress scheme does not count. Landlords must join the landlord ombudsman themselves.
What it means for you
- Get your paperwork in one place now: tenancy agreements, deposit protection, gas, electrical and EPC certificates, and licences.
- Think of the tenant as a customer. Complaints about slow repairs or poor communication will have somewhere to go, at no cost to the tenant.
- Put a simple repairs process in place: how tenants report problems, how quickly you respond, and who does the work.