The government has announced the next phase of its Renters’ Rights Act reforms, introducing a national landlord registration service and planned changes to how rent increases are challenged in England.
The “Register your rental property” service will launch on 15 December 2026, starting in the West Midlands before expanding across England. Landlords will have three months to register once their region is called forward. The government states that all landlords actively letting property must be registered by 14 November 2027, with financial penalties for non-compliance.
The service aims to improve transparency and help councils identify rogue landlords. “Rogue landlord” commonly describes a landlord who seriously or repeatedly breaches their legal obligations, for example through unlawful eviction, harassment, failure to comply with enforcement notices concerning unsafe housing, or letting without a required licence. Registration itself does not indicate wrongdoing: the new service will apply broadly to landlords within its scope.
Initially, registration will cover properties already let or becoming occupied during rollout. Future legislation will extend the requirement to unoccupied properties before they are marketed, with registration numbers required on rental advertisements. Public access will follow, allowing tenants to check whether a landlord has registered.
The government also plans to transfer initial decisions on rent increase challenges to HMRC’s Valuation Office. This change has not yet taken effect: tenants must continue to apply to the First-tier Tribunal. The announcement confirms that tenants who challenge an increase will not have to pay the higher rent until the Tribunal’s final decision.
Landlords and letting agents should monitor their regional rollout and prepare for the new requirements.
Privity Legal provides practical advice to landlords, tenants and letting agents on rental reforms, compliance and tenancy disputes. Contact our team to discuss how these changes may affect you.
Read the full government announcement, published on 9 September 2026.
