The Renters' Rights Act introduces further stringent rules for landlords with the creation of a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman Service, and a new Private Rented Sector Database.

Landlord Ombudsman 

Under the Act, the government can require private landlords to join a landlord redress scheme, and it expects membership to become mandatory in 2028. The service aims to provide a fair, impartial and binding dispute resolutions process between landlords and tenants. 

Landlords will be expected to pay a “small” fee per property; further details are to be confirmed. 

Ombudsman Enforcement 

Local authorities will have powers to enforce membership. Penalties include: 

• Up to £7,000 for initial failure to join;
• Up to £40,000 or criminal prosecution for ongoing or repeated non-compliance;
• Once these rules are in force, tenants will be able to apply for rent repayment orders where a landlord keeps failing to join after being fined.

Private Rented Sector Database 

A new Private Rented Sector Database will be introduced, requiring all landlords to register themselves and their rental properties. The government has announced that it will open on 15 December 2026, starting in the West Midlands and rolling out to other areas over 12 months, with landlords given three months to register once their area opens. The database will serve as a central hub with guidance and resources to support landlord compliance and be accessible by local councils for enforcement purposes; 

The government has announced an annual registration fee of £65 per property. 

Enforcement 

Once the database is in force, letting or advertising a property without being registered will be a breach of the law. 

Local councils will be able to issue:

• Civil penalties of up to £7,000 for a first breach; 
• Up to £40,000, or prosecution, for repeated or ongoing breaches.

Ensuring Compliance

To help prevent disputes during a tenancy, landlords should ensure their properties meet all relevant legal standards. It's also important to document the property’s condition clearly at the start of the tenancy and update this as needed throughout. If any issues arise, maintaining open and clear communication with tenants is essential. 

Property offers a wide range of guidance, templates, and documents to assist landlords at every stage of the tenancy. These resources can be accessed here:

New Tenancy Forms, Letters and Checklists for Residential Landlords

Residential Tenancy Compliance Documents