Government claims PRS Database will crack down on subletting
2 months ago | 8 comments
Government confirms councils will use PRS database for landlord enforcement
9:47 AM, 27th May 2026, 6 days ago
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The government has confirmed it is working with councils to support the use of information from the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database in carrying out enforcement action against landlords.
In response to a parliamentary written question, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said the database will collect a range of information as part of the Renters’ Rights Act.
As previously reported by Property118, the government says the PRS Database fee will be “fair and proportionate”, and has hinted at combining the registration process for the PRS Database and the Ombudsman, but has not confirmed whether landlords will need to pay separate fees for each.
Carry out enforcement action
Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town asked: “To ask the government whether, as the Private Rented Sector Database introduced in the Renters’ Rights Act is rolled out regionally, provision has been made for inspections to take place to verify the information provided by landlords.”
Under the act, all landlords will need to sign up for the database, which will include information about their properties that tenants can access.
In response, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said: “We are working closely with local councils to support them in using the information that will be provided by the Private Rented Sector Database in their enforcement activities.
“Through guidance, we will encourage local councils to verify the information recorded on the Database and carry out enforcement action as appropriate during the regional rollout.
“The Database will collect a range of information which will be confirmed through secondary legislation. We are continuing to explore which key performance indicators will help us to assess whether the Database is meeting its objectives.”
Landlords could face a fine
According to the government’s Renters’ Rights Act roadmap, the PRS Database will include, at a minimum:
- landlord contact details, including information covering joint landlords
- property details, including full address, property type (flat or house), number of bedrooms, number of households or residents, and whether the property is occupied or furnished
- safety information, including gas, electricity and Energy Performance Certificates, to help ensure tenants are aware of property safety and energy efficiency standards
Councils will also gain the power to take enforcement action against landlords who fail to register on the PRS Database.
If a landlord lets or advertises a property without it first being registered on the database, they can be issued with a civil penalty of up to £7,000 or a £40,000 fine if they provide fraudulent information to the database.
Tags:
Enforcement Action Against Landlords, government, landlord fines, PRS database, Renters’ Rights Act
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Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 982 - Articles: 1
9:16 AM, 30th May 2026, About 3 days ago
I am extremely concerned about security of such a database.
Also how does that comply with GDPR?
A slippery slope and another nail in the coffin of PRS.
The rogues will never register and will flourish, as usual.
Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 982 - Articles: 1
9:18 AM, 30th May 2026, About 3 days ago
Reply to the comment left by JeggNegg at 28/05/2026 – 14:43
What is Behomed?
We repeatedly asked our non-student tenants to buy, at a duscounted price of course, and they never expressed any interest. Never.
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1492 - Articles: 1
9:34 AM, 30th May 2026, About 3 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 27/05/2026 – 11:00
I really rally object to a landlords home address being published on the publicly accessible database.
Not just a breach of Art 8 Human Rights Act, Art 8 ECHR but other legislation.
It could put a landlord AND just as importantly their families in serious danger of physical harm, harassment, threats etc etc. It’s bad enough having tenants who know your address never mind anyone out there and those that have grudges and vendettas against PRS landlords.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 427
9:38 AM, 30th May 2026, About 3 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Whiteskifreak Surrey at 30/05/2026 – 09:18
Which begs the question, why are investment buyers condemned for taking homes wanted by owner occupiers! Do most young people really want to own property or do they just like to complain they have been priced out by the older generation. Certainly from the late 1970s and even before it has always been a struggle for many lower paid to buy property, but now it seems even those young people on top salaries whinge that they can’t afford, even with 90% mortgages.The difference was in those days people had a strong desire to own and sacrifice. .
Member Since November 2019 - Comments: 164
9:43 AM, 30th May 2026, About 3 days ago
The point of the Data Base is to allow Councils to fine you.
Another Nail in the coffin.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2226 - Articles: 2
9:48 AM, 30th May 2026, About 3 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Northernpleb at 30/05/2026 – 09:43
And HMRC to tax you.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 427
9:49 AM, 30th May 2026, About 3 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Southern Boyuk at 30/05/2026 – 08:26
Data protection nor human rights will apply to landlords.
Member Since May 2023 - Comments: 5
6:25 PM, 30th May 2026, About 3 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Suicide Jockey at 27/05/2026 – 10:02
If there is a database of landlords, then there MUST also be a database of tenants so that landlords can also identify troublesome tenants. Why not the same rule for both landlords and tenants?
Landlord groups must push and campaign for the tenants database, too.
Member Since February 2020 - Comments: 32
8:55 PM, 30th May 2026, About 3 days ago
As we all know compliant Landlords are the easiest of targets, will they miss us when we are gone?
I doubt it,HMRC will miss the 42 pence they get from every £1 rent I receive.
This and many previous Government’s behave like an OCG…… and now they want us to suffer just a little more, then a litte more next year ad infinitum amen!
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 427
9:14 PM, 30th May 2026, About 3 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Basit Ghafoor at 30/05/2026 – 18:25
Because its not a level playing field and far easier to bankrupt property owners.What landlord’s groups?