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 October 2013 - Comments: 1642 - Articles: 3
1:03 PM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by The_Maluka at 09/12/2025 – 12:33
My son has lived in Dubai for 20 years, he’s a property broker and he and his fellow ex-pats despair about what they see happening in the UK. He says the largest number seeking homes and offices are Brits who’ve had enough of the UK. There’s also a large number of Brits who see Dubai as a safe retirement destination.
Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 392
1:05 PM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Desert Rat at 09/12/2025 – 11:31
…yet they’re quick enough to push their courses . They don’t represent landlords at all, they see us just as cash cows which is why I will never pay them a penny.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 204
1:13 PM, 9th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by NewYorkie at 09/12/2025 – 13:03
I’m in Bahrain so not too far from Dubai. Not quite the same property market but I’m moving funds from the UK to Bahrain. The government has destroyed investment in the UK. My money is now going to be invested overseas and I can’t wait to sell my UK houses. Just hope that the tenats move out soon.
Member Since December 2025 - Comments: 17
4:23 AM, 10th December 2025, About 5 months ago
I once suffered attempted identity theft, and Action Fraud suggested it was because I was a Director and personal details including home address were available at Companies House. The process there has changed. Having landlord details available along with rental property details presumably presents the same risk, and the added risk of Land Registry fraud. I hope these increased personal risks are fully taken on board.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1642 - Articles: 3
12:07 PM, 10th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Sarah O’Connell at 10/12/2025 – 04:23
What do you think?
Member Since December 2025 - Comments: 1
9:06 PM, 10th December 2025, About 5 months ago
We don’t need every landlord to be on a database. We just need a rogue landlord database AND just as importantly a rogue tenant database too. Yet more powers creeping in so the government and council can make more money and seize more control over people’s properties.. Remind me again why I live in this overly controlled sinking ship of a country? I think it’s time to emigrate..
Member Since January 2023 - Comments: 145
8:11 AM, 13th December 2025, About 4 months ago
Reply to the comment left by NewYorkie at 08/12/2025 – 10:12
not necessarily. if you were to have an office address at which you properties are registered that would suffice
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 374
8:47 AM, 13th December 2025, About 4 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Contango at 13/12/2025 – 08:11
But many landlords don’t have an office address so yes you would be open to fraud, but heigh ho the government doesn’t care and won’t be responsible.
Member Since January 2023 - Comments: 145
9:29 AM, 13th December 2025, About 4 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Damo Zaz at 10/12/2025 – 21:06
the state cant stop you leaving, however if you realise your UK investments the Government will have a bite out of it.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1642 - Articles: 3
2:20 PM, 13th December 2025, About 4 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Contango at 13/12/2025 – 08:11
I would rather use my managing agent’s address.