Government considers sharing PRS Database data with HMRC

The government has hinted that several organisations, including HMRC, could be given access to data held on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database.

In response to a written parliamentary question, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said the government is assessing the potential risks and benefits of sharing information collected through the new landlord registration service with other agencies.

The news comes as the government has confirmed that landlords’ information submitted to the PRS Database will not be publicly available before 2027.

Access to relevant data

In a written question, Conservative MP Andrew Snowden asked: “What arrangements will govern the sharing of information between the landlord registration service, local authorities and HM Revenue and Customs”.

In response, Mr Pennycook said: “The government is considering how different agencies and organisations, including HM Revenue and Customs and local authorities, will be able to access the relevant data collected on the landlord registration service to support their statutory functions.

“We will carefully assess the potential benefits and risks to the different parties of sharing different data points and will ensure that any sharing of information is proportionate and is in accordance with data protection and landlord privacy rights.

“Details of the data sharing arrangements with other organisations will be set out in future legislation, which will be announced after the initial rollout of the service is completed.

“Local authorities will have access to the full range of information in order to carry out relevant enforcement duties.”

How data will be handled

As previously reported by Property118, landlords have raised concerns over how their data will be handled under the PRS Database.

Under the PRS Database, landlords will be required to provide information about their properties, including the address, number of residents and bedrooms, as well as copies of gas, electricity and EPC documents.

The government told Property118 that data will be handled in line with data protection legislation, with further details to be announced in due course.