Private sector housing standards Property registration and general lettings

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, every landlord in England must register themselves and each property they let on the new national Private Rented Sector (PRS) database before marketing or renting out a property. This replaces fragmented local registers and rogue landlord lists.

Steps to comply

  1. Register yourself
    • Provide your legal name, contact details, and proof of identity.
    • If you use an agent, include their details.
  2. Register each property
    • Full address and property type.
    • Upload compliance documents:
      • Gas Safety Certificate (annual)
      • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) (every 5 years)
      • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (minimum Band E)
    • Confirm licensing status (HMO or selective licensing if applicable).
  3. Join the National Ombudsman
    • Membership in an approved redress scheme is mandatory.
  4. Keep records updated
    • Update when you sell, change agents, or renew safety certificates.
  5. Display registration details
    • Likely required on adverts and tenancy paperwork.
  6. Meet property standards
    • Comply with the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law (address damp/mould within legal timeframes).
    • Fit smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances.
  7. Other legal duties
    • Protect deposits in a government-approved scheme within 30 days.
    • Provide tenants with the How to Rent guide.
    • Carry out Right to Rent checks on all adult tenants.
    • Ensure rent increases follow the new regulated process (max once per year, with two months’ notice).

It is important that landlords understand this and guidance can be found here – 

National guidance (England)

  • GOV.UK – Renting out your property: guidance for landlords and letting agents
    Covers tenancy agreements, rent rules, discrimination bans, pets, ending tenancies, and compliance under the Renters’ Rights Act.
    Read the full guide here. [gov.uk]
  • Private Landlord Reforms – Housing Hub
    Explains upcoming changes: abolition of Section 21, mandatory periodic tenancies, rent increase limits, and rental bidding ban.

Alternatively, you can view the Guide to the Renters' Rights Act.

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