Landlords must stay signed up to Ombudsman as scheme set to become mandatory
5 months ago | 23 comments
Government promises to address landlord privacy concerns amid PRS database rollout
8:01 AM, 8th December 2025, 5 months ago
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The government claim they “will try to balance landlords’ privacy concerns with private tenants’ needs to make informed decisions” for the Private Rented Sector (PRS) database.
Many landlords are concerned about what details will be included in the PRS database, which is set to roll out in late 2026.
The government claim they are still determining the exact information that will go on the database, but this could include gas safety certificates.
Will include landlord’s contact details
According to the government’s Renters’ Rights Act roadmap, the PRS database will include, at a minimum:
- The landlord’s contact details. This will include capturing relevant information from all joint landlords.
- The property details including the full address, type of property (flat/ house), number of bedrooms, number of households/residents and confirming whether the property is occupied and furnished, etc.
- Safety information – Gas, Electric and Energy Performance Certificates – so tenants are assured about the safety and energy efficiency of the property.
The government guidance says the PRS Database will replace the functionality of the Database of Rogue Landlords for private sector landlords.
The guidance says: “We will make certain details relating to offences viewable to tenants and prospective tenants. Opening up this information will ensure tenants can make a more informed rental decision, leading to a better rental experience.
“However, we are committed to carefully balancing landlords’ privacy concerns with private tenants’ need to make informed decisions about their housing options when designing a new system. Tenants will be able to access necessary information in relation to their landlord and details of the property, but we do not envisage that all data will be publicly accessible.”
Landlords could face £7,000 fine
The government guidance says it will be mandatory for all landlords and their properties to sign up to the online database.
However, the government has confirmed that for those who are unable to register online, alternative offline methods will be offered, though the exact process has not yet been specified.
Landlords should also know that if they fail to register on the PRS Database, they will not be able to obtain a possession order, except if the ground under which possession is sought is ground 7A or ground 14 (tenant anti-social behaviour).
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.
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.
Tags:
landlord privacy, Landlord Registration, Private Rented Sector, PRS database, Renters’ Rights Act
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Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1447 - Articles: 1
12:02 AM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by PH at 08/12/2025 – 18:34
Not a lot, if anything.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 374
10:31 AM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by AnthonyJames at 08/12/2025 – 23:43
British gas print all their gas safety certs.Perhaps NRLA could start a tenants database but what with increased mortgage rates, MTD costs, landlord database fees etc I don’t think I could afford any more.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 204
11:31 AM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by PH at 08/12/2025 – 18:34
I imagine, like in the past they just roll over and accept whatever the government tell them to do.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 204
11:34 AM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Desert Rat at 09/12/2025 – 11:31
I’d be curious to know that once my data has been hacked can I sue the government for a data breach?
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2203 - Articles: 2
11:47 AM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Desert Rat at 09/12/2025 – 11:34
You can but remember the maxim, “never sue anyone with more money than you.”.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 204
11:52 AM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by The_Maluka at 09/12/2025 – 11:47
You have a point there but with the extra tax they are taking from me, surely it will not be all spent on MP’s expenses and they will have something left over? 2% on 40% is a lot of money for me.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 374
12:03 PM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Desert Rat at 09/12/2025 – 11:52
See GOV.UK re data protection. Penalties of up to £17.5 million can be imposed by the ICO but my guess is that the government can do anything it wants with your data with impunity.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 204
12:11 PM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 09/12/2025 – 12:03
Sad but true. They do whatever they like which is why I’m leaving the UK and moving my money overseas. They can’t tax it if I no longer live there and sell my assets.
Last one out, please turn off the lights.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2203 - Articles: 2
12:33 PM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Desert Rat at 09/12/2025 – 12:11
You are in good company, many of my associates are leaving the UK and investing elsewhere, often tax-free.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 204
1:02 PM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by The_Maluka at 09/12/2025 – 12:33
I’ve already left, just need to find the best way for my money to follow me. The previous and this government are making it known that they don’t want PRS landlords, I wonder where they intend to house benefit tenants when PRS landlords sell up? Although I do house a few benefits tenants, It’s not the market that I took on.
99% of my tenants have been excellent, even the ones that situations changed and now claim benefits. I’m just choosing to sell up when my tenants leave and move money overseas. I have no respect for the UK government and choose to live in an almost tax free country.