MHCLG has confirmed the broad timetable for Phase 2 of the RRA 2025, including a regional rollout of the mandatory PRS Database from late 2026 and a Private Landlord Ombudsman thereafter. Registration on the database will be mandatory for all PRS landlords, who will be required to pay an annual fee. The fee amount will be confirmed closer to launch.
Phase 2 timetable. MHCLG has confirmed the broad timetable for the next phases of the Renters' Rights Act. With the substance of the Act having been introduced on 1 May, the government says Phase 2 will begin "later this year". Phase 1, which came into force on 1 May 2026, delivered the abolition of section 21, conversion of all tenancies to periodic assured tenancies, rent increase restrictions, and anti-discrimination provisions.
PRS Database. From late 2026 onwards, a PRS Database ? described as a register of all landlords and rental properties in England ? will be rolled out gradually by area, showing who is renting out homes across England.
Signing up to the PRS Database will be mandatory for all PRS landlords, who will be required to pay an annual fee that will be confirmed closer to launch. Regulations will mandate landlord registration, payment of a fee and the provision of key information by landlords.
Private Landlord Ombudsman. The PRS Database is due to come into effect from "late 2026" for a regional rollout, with the full launch in 2027. The PRS Landlord Ombudsman will be launched afterwards, likely in 2028.
The government states: "A new independent Private Landlord Ombudsman will help renters sort complaints against landlords quickly and fairly, without needing to go to court." Membership of the Ombudsman will be compulsory for all PRS landlords.
Preparation advice. Whilst no registration portal is yet live, landlords should begin collating accurate records of all properties they let ? including addresses, tenure details, EPC ratings, and safety certificates ? as these are likely to form part of the mandatory database submission. The regional rollout sequence has not yet been confirmed; landlords in areas designated as early-adopter regions should expect to be required to register before the full national launch in 2027.
Action required
No immediate registration action required, but landlords should monitor MHCLG announcements for the regional launch sequence. Prepare property information records now, as the database will require landlords to submit key information about themselves and their properties.
Effective
2026-12-01
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