Renters Rights Act: New Government Guidance Confirms Landlord Registration Requirements

Anderson Knight Estate Agents | Landlord Legislation Update | November 2026

The government has published new guidance dated 29 October 2026, confirming important details about the next phase of the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

The latest announcement provides landlords and letting agents with greater clarity on the new mandatory rental property registration system, including registration deadlines, fees, documentation requirements and the responsibilities of managing agents.

With the national rollout scheduled to begin on 15 December 2026, landlords are encouraged to start reviewing their property records and compliance documentation.

At Anderson Knight Estate Agents, we are committed to helping landlords stay informed and prepared as the private rented sector continues to evolve.

What is the new Register your rental property service?

The government is introducing a national registration service for private landlords and their rented properties in England.

Landlords with qualifying properties let under assured or regulated tenancies will be required to register themselves and their properties.

The service is intended to improve transparency, support local authority enforcement and strengthen standards across the private rented sector.

Registration will be introduced gradually across England, beginning in the West Midlands on 15 December 2026.

When must London landlords register?

For rental properties in London, the government has confirmed the following dates:

• Registration period opens: 15 July 2027

• Registration deadline: 14 October 2027

Landlords may choose to register earlier once the national service becomes available.

During the initial rollout, registration requirements generally apply to occupied qualifying rental properties and properties that become let during the rollout.

Requirements for registering unoccupied properties before marketing them are expected to take effect at a later stage.

How much will it cost?

The government has confirmed an annual registration fee of £65 per property, which is not subject to VAT.

The fee will be adjusted during the initial rollout, with charges prorated under government rules.

Each registered property will require an annual renewal, and landlords will need to keep their records accurate.

What information will landlords need?

Landlords should prepare the following information:

• Property address, number of bedrooms and occupancy details.

• Landlord identification and contact information.

• Details of managing agents, superior landlords and freeholders, where relevant.

• Gas safety certification, where applicable.

• Electrical safety documentation.

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

• Relevant HMO, additional or selective property licences.

• Tenancy information, including rental payments and occupancy arrangements.

The government has confirmed that landlords may submit outstanding supporting information within 28 days of registering a property.

Failure to complete the information requirements may result in a registration becoming inactive.

Can a letting agent help with registration?

Yes. The government has confirmed that letting and managing agents will be able to assist with specified information once authorised by a landlord.

However, landlords must initiate their own registration and remain legally responsible for meeting the requirements.

Once an initial property registration has been created, landlords may authorise their managing agent to assist with tenancy details, licensing information and relevant compliance documents.

This means landlords and managing agents should agree how registration records will be prepared, checked and maintained.

What happens when information changes?

Landlords must update relevant information within 28 days of a change or expiry.

This includes changes to occupancy, rental information and safety certificates.

Keeping accurate property management records will therefore become an increasingly important part of ongoing compliance.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

The government guidance explains that landlords may face financial penalties of up to £7,000 for failing to comply with registration requirements.

Penalties of up to £40,000 may apply to specified serious or repeated breaches, including knowingly or recklessly providing false or misleading information.

Local authorities will have enforcement powers under the legislation.

How should landlords prepare?

Although London landlords have until October 2027 to complete registration within their regional window, preparing early can help make the process more manageable.

We recommend reviewing:

1. Current property and landlord details.

2. Existing tenancy records.

3. Gas, electrical and energy performance certificates.

4. Relevant local authority licences.

5. Certificate expiry dates and renewal arrangements.

6. The processes used to keep property information accurate.

How Anderson Knight can support landlords

At Anderson Knight Estate Agents, we understand that landlord responsibilities extend far beyond finding tenants and collecting rent.

With ongoing regulatory changes, accurate record keeping, compliance monitoring and effective property management are increasingly important.

Our team can assist landlords with reviewing their property documentation, identifying outstanding information and discussing the support available through our letting and property management services.

Need help preparing for the next phase of the Renters' Rights Act?

Contact Anderson Knight Estate Agents to arrange a landlord compliance review and discuss your property's requirements.