Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database
Welcome to our bi-annual lettings update.
At the time of writing, we have just received confirmation of the rollout dates for landlord registration under the new national database. This forms part of the second phase of the Renters’ Rights Act and will require all landlords of assured or regulated tenancies to register both themselves and each of their rental properties through the new service.
We have also received further details regarding the registration process and associated deadlines. A registration fee of £65 per property will apply, and landlords will be required to renew their registration annually. The fee will be payable each time a property is registered, and failure to comply may result in financial penalties.
The government will introduce registration on a regional basis, beginning with the West Midlands on 15 December 2026. For our clients, the relevant registration dates are:
- South East: Registration opens on 15th March 2027 and must be completed by 14th June 2027.
- South West: Registration opens on 15th August 2027 and must be completed by 14th November 2027.
Once registration opens, landlords will need to provide a range of information, including:
- Personal details such as name, date of birth, residential address and contact information.
- Property details, including address, ownership type, dwelling type and number of bedrooms.
- Tenancy information, including the number of occupants, whether the property is furnished and rental details.
- Relevant compliance documentation, including valid EICRs, EPCs (or exemption certificates where applicable) and Gas Safety Certificates.
While this may sound somewhat daunting, there is still plenty of time to prepare, and we are here to help guide you through the process.
Although landlords will ultimately be responsible for initiating and completing the registration, if we are your managing agents we will be able to provide certain information on your behalf. Further guidance on this is expected from the government in due course. As always, we will be available to support you throughout the process and answer any questions you may have.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
In other news, we have begun engaging with a number of our managed landlords regarding the proposed MEES requirements and exploring the most effective ways to improve properties to an EPC rating of C by 2030 for existing tenancies and 2028 for new tenancies.
This has already proved to be an interesting and valuable exercise, enabling us to build practical experience and offer informed advice to our clients on the options available to them.
If you would like further information or would like to discuss your property’s current EPC rating, please do get in touch.
We would also recommend arranging an EPC assessment before October 2029, when the new Home Energy Model is expected to be introduced. The proposed changes to the assessment methodology are likely to make achieving the required EPC rating of C more challenging than under the current system.
We’re Here to Help
Whilst this update is undoubtedly compliance-focused, both landlord registration and energy efficiency standards are important topics that will affect many landlords over the coming years.
If you have any questions or would like assistance with either of these matters, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and support you every step of the way.
Call us on 01962 763908 or email lettings@bcmwilsonhill.co.uk.
