England landlord register rollout is set to start in December 2026
The government has announced a 15 December 2026 start in the West Midlands and a regional rollout across England, but the draft regulations still need parliamentary approval.
Primary source: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
The government has set out a plan for England's new landlord register. It says the service will start in the West Midlands on 15 December 2026. It would then move through England by region. The plan does not cover Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
The primary source is a government press release dated 9 September 2026. Dwellmark checked the legal status on Parliament trackers on 12 September 2026.
What the government announced
| Stage | Announced timetable |
|---|---|
| First region | West Midlands from 15 December 2026 |
| Regional sign-up window | Three months after an area is called forward |
| England-wide endpoint | All landlords actively letting property registered by 14 November 2027 |
At first, the service would cover homes already let. It would also cover a home when a tenant moves in during the rollout. The government plans later rules for empty homes. Those future rules would require a landlord to register before an advert goes live. They are not current rules.
Who is affected
The plan directly affects private landlords with occupied rental homes in England. Each property would follow the dates for its own region. Tenants are also affected. The database is meant to help councils enforce the rules. A later public service is meant to let renters check a landlord.
What is not changing yet
The government also plans a new rent review service. HMRC's Valuation Office would make the first decision on a challenge. That service is still being built. For now, a tenant in England must still apply to the First-tier Tribunal to challenge a rent rise.
Why it matters
This is the first firm start and end date for the rollout. It gives landlords time to note the planned window. Final rules and sign-up guidance are still due. Those sources need to be checked before anyone relies on the dates.
Source: GOV.UK - Stronger protections and greater confidence for renters — England-only rollout announcement published 9 September 2026; checked 10 September 2026
Source: UK Parliament - Statutory Instruments in Progress — Draft regulations awaiting parliamentary approval; checked 12 September 2026
Source: UK Parliament - Statutory Instruments tracker — Private Rented Sector Database Regulations 2026; draft affirmative regulations; checked 12 September 2026
Read the buy-to-let guideReview the current costs and legal duties involved in letting a home.Find property professionalsCompare relevant professional categories before taking the next step.Sources
- GOV.UK - Stronger protections and greater confidence for renters - England-only rollout announcement published 9 September 2026; checked 10 September 2026
- UK Parliament - Statutory Instruments in Progress - Draft regulations awaiting parliamentary approval; checked 12 September 2026
- UK Parliament - Statutory Instruments tracker - Private Rented Sector Database Regulations 2026; draft affirmative regulations; checked 12 September 2026
More updates
Autumn Budget 2026: what it could mean for property buyers and landlords
The Autumn Budget is on 28 October 2026. Here is what is on the table for property — stamp duty, first-time buyer relief, the second-home surcharge and landlord rules — and the current rules before any change.
UK house prices rose 0.9% in the year to August 2026, ONS data shows
The average UK house price was £273,000 in August 2026, up 0.9% in a year, while average private rents rose 3.8% in the year to September.
UK house price inflation slows to 1.4% as rents accelerate
The average UK house price was £273,000 in July 2026, up 1.4% on a year earlier, while private rent inflation rose to 3.8%, the ONS and HM Land Registry reported.
Mortgage approvals fell below the six-month average in July 2026
Net house-purchase mortgage approvals fell to 56,100 in July 2026, from 58,200 in June and below the six-month average, while the effective rate on new mortgages rose to 4.45%.