4 months ago | 57 comments
The government claim they want to minimise the administrative requirements on landlords with the upcoming Private Rented Sector Database.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, all landlords will need to sign up for the database, which will include information about their properties that tenants can access.
The government has not given a definitive timeline for when landlords will need to sign up, but the rollout will commence later this year.
In a written question, Conservative MP Gareth Bacon asked: “What assessment has the government made of the need for the PRS database to allow block-registrations to accommodate large-scale landlords.”
In response, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: “The government is considering how data might be collected with a view to minimise administrative requirements on private landlords.”
As previously reported by 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.
Mr Pennycook claims the fees for the PRS Database will consider the burden on landlords.
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.”
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.
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Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2187 - Articles: 2
10:21 AM, 19th March 2026, About 3 weeks ago
“The ombudsman would not be able to make profit and the government will ensure that the fee is proportionate and is good value.”
Just as £40,000 penalties for administrative errors are proportionate !!
Government has had plenty of time to determine fees, why is it so reluctant to reveal the information?
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 364
10:53 AM, 19th March 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Looks like another charter from this government to rob landlords.
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 2
12:56 PM, 19th March 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by The_Maluka at 19/03/2026 – 10:21
Because we are about to get rammed again on top of the licence cost
No wonder landlords are selling up and getting out
I pity the tenants that are going to end up in temporary housing for years waiting for a social house or flat
Member Since April 2019 - Comments: 1
3:17 PM, 19th March 2026, About 3 weeks ago
What about us landlords who are suffering because of the damages caused by the tenants ? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rogue-tenants-broken-homes-why-recovering-losses-so-hard-belur-cyzfe
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1431 - Articles: 1
7:45 PM, 19th March 2026, About 3 weeks ago
It’s not just existing tenants who will be able to access BUT “prospective” tenants ie the General Public, media, criminals (or are they are of the GP, lol) etc etc
Member Since November 2019 - Comments: 150
11:46 AM, 22nd March 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Girish at 19/03/2026 – 15:17
If the Tenants , Maliciously damage why is it not a Criminal offence with a £40000 fine.
Member Since November 2019 - Comments: 150
12:03 PM, 22nd March 2026, About 3 weeks ago
What Pennycook ,
Actually means is Government Policy is to ensure Requirements for the PRS Register and other requirements will require the maximum amount of Legislation, Regulations, and Taxation on Private Landlords.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2187 - Articles: 2
3:02 PM, 22nd March 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Northernpleb at 22/03/2026 – 11:46
If one reads the first page of the Criminal Damage act it is evident that any deliberate damage is classed as criminal damage, even if it is your own property that is damaged. The police use the excuse that because there is a contract in place any damage is a civil offence.
If you have the time start by reading https://www.property118.com/judge-to-look-into-why-tenants-are-not-prosecuted-for-criminal-damage/#comments
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 108
6:48 PM, 27th March 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Perhaps it is time for the PRS to organise its own database of rogue tenants since the government doesn’t seem to think it is important.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2187 - Articles: 2
9:31 AM, 28th March 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Jack Jennings at 27/03/2026 – 18:48
It has been tried and failed, largely because of landlord apathy. We can produce an effective list by taking every defaulting tenant to court, moneyclaim online , for the minimum fee (£35) for up to £300. There is no need to take action for the full amount, any CCJ will kill the tenant’s chances of a new tenancy.