PRS Database Confirmed: What North East Landlords Need to Know

Landlords across the North East are being encouraged to start preparing now after the Government confirmed the rollout timetable for the new “Register your rental property” service, formerly known as the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database.

The database forms a key part of the Renters’ Rights Act and is designed to create a national register of landlords and privately rented properties across England.

Whilst registration will begin in the West Midlands on 15 December 2026, landlords with properties in the North East have been given a clear deadline, with registration commencing on 15 June 2027 and a deadline of 14 September 2027.

For landlords in Sunderland, Newcastle, Durham, Gateshead and across the wider region, now is the ideal time to understand what the changes mean and ensure your properties are ready.

It will cost landlords £65 to register each property, and they will need to renew their registrations each year and pay the £65 fee each renewal.

What Is the PRS Database?

The new system will require landlords to create and maintain entries for themselves and each qualifying rental property. The aim is to improve transparency within the private rented sector, help local authorities target enforcement activity and provide tenants with greater confidence that landlords are meeting their legal obligations.

What Information Will Landlords Need to Provide?

As part of the registration process, landlords will be required to submit information about both themselves and their rental properties.

This is expected to include:

• Landlord contact details
• Property address and property type
• Number of bedrooms and occupants
• Current rent being charged
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Gas Safety Certificate
•  

The information must be kept up to date, and landlords will need to renew their registration annually.

What Happens If Landlords Do Not Register?

The database is intended to become a central part of landlord compliance under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Landlords who fail to register, fail to keep records updated or provide inaccurate information may face enforcement action and financial penalties. The wider legislation will also place increased emphasis on demonstrating compliance with tenancy and property standards.

Landlords who do not register will also be unable to obtain a possession order under Section 8.

As the private rented sector faces its most significant reforms in decades, landlords should view registration as part of a broader compliance strategy rather than a standalone administrative exercise.