{"type":"post","url":"https://rentersrightstoolkit.co.uk/posts/landlord-database-ombudsman-england","title":"The Landlord Database and Ombudsman: What Landlords Must Do","summary":"When the private rented sector database opens in England, what landlords need to prepare, and what the new landlord ombudsman will mean for tenants.","last_modified":"2026-10-30","area":"England","sections":[{"heading":"What the database is","text":"The private rented sector database is an official record of landlords and their rented properties in England, known as “Register your rental property”. It is designed to give councils better information for enforcement, and to help tenants check their landlord’s details. Landlords will need to register themselves and each of their properties."},{"heading":"When you need to register","text":"The service opens region by region from 15 December 2026, starting with the West Midlands, and the last regional deadline is 14 November 2027. The published fee is £65 per property per year. Check the current government timetable for your region before you act, because dates and details may be updated."},{"heading":"What to prepare now","text":"Putting your information in order now will make registering easier. Keep one record for each property, and check that your details are accurate before you start. Your own details, and those of any agent The address and type of each property Current gas, electrical and energy certificates Any licence number from your council"},{"heading":"What the ombudsman will do","text":"The new ombudsman will give private tenants a way to complain about their landlord without going to court. Every private landlord will have to join, and the ombudsman will be able to look at complaints and require redress. It is expected in 2028, but the exact date has not yet been confirmed."},{"heading":"What it means for tenants","text":"Once the database is running, you should be able to check information about your landlord more easily. Until the ombudsman starts, the routes for complaints remain your landlord, your letting agent’s redress scheme, your council, and the courts or tribunal where these apply."},{"heading":"What happens if landlords do not comply","text":"Councils will be able to enforce the registration duties, and penalties can apply. Failing to register may also affect a landlord’s ability to use some possession grounds. Check the current guidance or take legal advice if you manage several properties or you are unsure how the rules apply to you."},{"heading":"Sources","text":"These are the official and specialist pages this guide is checked against. Rules and forms change, so check the live page before you act. GOV.UK: Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act House of Commons Library: Renters’ Rights Act"},{"heading":"Questions people ask","text":"Do I have to register now? Not until the service opens for your region. The first stage opens on 15 December 2026, and the last regional deadline is 14 November 2027. How much does it cost? The published fee is £65 per property per year. Check the official service for the current amount. When will the ombudsman start? It is expected in 2028. The exact date has not been confirmed at the time of writing. Related"},{"heading":"Tools and guides that go with this","text":"Landlord Compliance Checklist for England Landlord Record Keeping: What to Keep and for How Long (2026) Local Authority Enforcement in Private Renting Renters’ Rights Act: What Changed on 1 May 2026"}],"faqs":[{"question":"Do I have to register now?","answer":"Not until the service opens for your region. The first stage opens on 15 December 2026, and the last regional deadline is 14 November 2027."},{"question":"How much does it cost?","answer":"The published fee is £65 per property per year. Check the official service for the current amount."},{"question":"When will the ombudsman start?","answer":"It is expected in 2028. The exact date has not been confirmed at the time of writing."}],"sources":[{"title":"GOV.UK: Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act"},{"title":"House of Commons Library: Renters’ Rights Act","url":"https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10669/"}],"templates":[],"note":"General information for private renting in England. Not legal advice. Check the live page and its sources."}