Renters’ Rights Bill hands more power and money to councils through tougher enforcement
10 months ago | 2 comments
Landlord database fees to reflect burden on landlords claims Housing Minister
11:16 AM, 4th September 2025, 7 months ago
23
The Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook, has confirmed fees to register for the landlord database will consider the burden on landlords.
Mr Pennycook also claims the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Ombudsman will not be able to make a profit and the fee will be “proportionate and good value”.
As previously reported on Property118, the government has hinted at combining the registration process for the PRS database and Ombudsman, but stopped short of confirming whether landlords will be required to pay separate fees for each scheme.
Fee is proportionate and good value
In response to a written question about what fees landlords will have to pay under the database and Ombudsman Mr Pennycook claims the government will take into account a range of factors.
He said: “Fees to register on the PRS Database will be set out in secondary legislation and will take account a range of factors, including burden on landlords.
“In line with practice across other Ombudsmen, the PRS Ombudsman will set the fee members would be required to pay. This will be on the basis of their running costs and service provision. The ombudsman would not be able to make profit and the government will ensure that the fee is proportionate and is good value.”
Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, all landlords will need to sign up for the database, which will include information about their properties that tenants can access.
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.
The government claim the PRS Ombudsman will provide quick, fair, impartial and binding resolution for tenants’ complaints about their landlord.
Amendments set to become law
The news comes after government amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill were agreed to and now look set to become law, but amendments still require approval from the House of Commons before becoming part of the final legislation.
Alongside the PRS Database and Ombudsman, an amendment will allow local authorities to enter private rented properties without giving landlords advance notice.
Previously, councils were required to give tenants and landlords 24 hours’ notice before taking enforcement action. This requirement will still apply to tenants. However, landlords will now be informed within “a reasonable amount of time” after the entry has taken place.
Also, in a double standard, a government amendment also includes purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) being exempt from the new periodic tenancies.
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Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 13
4:17 PM, 4th September 2025, About 7 months ago
The article says ombusman will not be allowed to make a profit. Unless I missed it the article does not say the database cannot make a profit. Oh joy
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 3237 - Articles: 81
4:46 PM, 4th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Do the Govt’s & Councils not think tenants are paying enough already.
They really detest Private tenants for some reason, they wish to torture them.
Member Since May 2025 - Comments: 74
4:52 PM, 4th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Councils are not supposed to be able to make a profit or cross subsidise from Selective Licencing yet they consistently fail to publish accounts. The previous scheme for Great Yarmouth suggests they owe a refund of approx £150 per property – still waiting for my refunds….
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
7:50 PM, 4th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Well thats the end of sudent letting in non PBSA properties
Member Since December 2024 - Comments: 62
8:59 PM, 4th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Really is time to emigrate from this country.
Cannot decide which country would be the best option to seek refuge from the UK Govt: Russia, China, Iran, North Korea?
Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 2
9:20 PM, 4th September 2025, About 7 months ago
As most of my properties are let to students and young workers just entering the jobs market. I am selling my remaining properties as fast as I can. After 30 years as a private landlord I have decided enough is enough. Unfortunately the tenants ultimately will be the ones that will pay.
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 198
12:48 AM, 5th September 2025, About 7 months ago
The sooner the better as a national register kills the excuse for local Selective licencing.
Member Since May 2025 - Comments: 74
8:35 AM, 5th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Robin Wilson at 04/09/2025 – 20:59
Sadly I think you are right that emigration is the only option left.
Time to sell up and move your assets abroad before they are stolen or confiscated by Communist Kier.
I dont believe in the “You will own nothing and be happy” mantra.
Member Since April 2023 - Comments: 174
7:58 AM, 6th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by David100 at 04/09/2025 – 10:00
Excellent point. Perfectly demonstrates how the non profit fee has the potential to grow very quickly because the ombudsman will have increasing number of tenants contacting them because the service will be free to them and they will have nothing to lose.
Member Since April 2023 - Comments: 174
8:00 AM, 6th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Suspicious Steve at 05/09/2025 – 08:35
“I dont believe in the “You will own nothing and be happy” mantra”
Been there, done that. I agree.