Government promises to address landlord privacy concerns amid PRS database rollout

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.