Overview of registration and licensing

Introduction

Before you set up a tenancy you might first have to register as a landlord and you might also need a licence to operate as a landlord. This will depend on where the property is located and the type of property. You may also need to register with the Information Commission's Office.

England

Landlords do not currently need to be registered in all parts of the country. However, in certain local authority areas, landlords must register under a selective licensing scheme.

For example, all private landlords in the London boroughs of Newham, certain areas of Brent, and Waltham Forest, must register and pay a fee to the local authority. Landlords in these boroughs who don't register will be fined and ordered to repay to the tenant up to 12 months' rent.

Property registration

As part of the Renters' Right Act, landlords will be required to register their properties on the Private Rented Sector Database via the government's Register your rental property service.

This will roll out by region each month from 15 December, starting with the West Midlands.

Once an area is called forward to register, landlords with properties in the region will have 3 months to sign up.

Landlords with assured or regulated tenancies are legally required to register and risk a fine if they don't. The fee is £65 per property and landlords will need to renew each year.

Landlords must start and complete the registration process themselves, even if they normally use a letting agent to manage the property. However, there will be an option for your agent to upload certain information on your behalf.

For now, you only need to register properties that are currently let or become let during the rollout period. However, under future legislation, landlords will also need to register unoccupied properties before they can be marketed for let.

When do you need to register by?

Your deadline to register is based on your property's location. For example, if you live in London but your property is in Birmingham, you'll need to meet the deadline for registering in the West Midlands.

The service will roll out to other regions at later dates. The government has set out a timetable as follows:

Note: These dates are subject to change.

If you're unsure what region your property is in, you can find a list of the local authorities falling within each region in Schedule 1 to the draft regulations.

Landlords with properties in multiple regions don't have to wait for each regional start date. From 15 December 2026, you can register each property at the same time, as long as you do so before the applicable deadline.

Information you'll be asked to provide

You'll need to record details of your properties, like the address and the number of residents and bedrooms, as well as the amount of rent you're receiving. You'll also need to demonstrate that health and safety standards have been met by uploading gas, electric and energy performance certificates.

A full list of the information you'll need to provide is available here.

What happens if you don't register?

Failing to register your property could result in a significant fine – up to £7,000 for a single breach.

More serious offences, including knowingly or recklessly providing false or misleading information, repeat breaches, or continuing to let a property unregistered for more than 28 days after receiving a fine, may result in prosecution or a civil penalty of up to £40,000.

Scotland

Landlords of all private rented properties must be registered. You can register at Landlord Registration.

You must pay a fee for the local authority area in which you own the property, and a fee for each property. Once registered, you must renew the registration every 3 years.

Any convictions, such as for violence, dishonesty, drugs or breaches of housing legislation will be taken into account. If you aren't considered to be 'fit and proper', you can't hold a registration and let private property for rent.

If you rent out property without being registered, or if you give false information, you'll be committing a criminal offence and could be fined.

Northern Ireland

Landlords of all private rented properties must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme before letting the property. You don't need to register again if you've already paid to register an HMO.

You can register via nidirect. You must pay a fee to register. You'll get a registration number and must include it in any correspondence you have about your position as a landlord.

Once registered, you must renew the registration every 3 years.

If you don't register, or if you give false information, you'll be committing a criminal offence and can be fined.

Wales

Landlords of all private rented properties must be registered. Applications are made through Rent Smart Wales.

You must pay a fee to register. Once registered, you must renew the registration every 5 years.

You must also get a licence (if you're finding tenants or managing the rental property yourself); or your agent must be licensed (if you're using a lettings or property management agent).

You must be a 'fit and proper person' to get a licence, and you may need to undergo training. From 23 November 2016, if you're not registered or licensed you'll be committing a criminal offence.