The PRS Database explained

What is the PRS Database?

The Private Rented Sector Database is a new government register created by Part 3 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Every private landlord in England must register themselves and every property they let.

It replaces the existing Database of Rogue Landlords and is designed to give tenants, local authorities, and the government a clear picture of the private rented sector.

When does it launch?

Late 2026, with a regional rollout. The exact date hasn't been confirmed. Registration will become mandatory for all landlords once the national rollout is complete.

What data will you need?

Based on what's been announced so far:

About you: Full name, contact details, identity verification (via GOV.UK One Login)

About each property: Full address, property type, number of bedrooms, number of occupants and households, occupancy status, marketing status, furnished/unfurnished

Compliance data (likely): Gas Safety Certificate status, EICR status, EPC rating, deposit protection scheme and reference, HMO licence status

What are the penalties?

• Failure to register: £7,000 civil penalty
• False or misleading information: Up to £40,000
• Repeated non-compliance: £40,000 or criminal prosecution with an unlimited fine
• Possession blocked: You cannot obtain a possession order (except for antisocial behaviour or serious rent arrears) if you're not registered

This last point is the big one. If you're not registered, you cannot get a possession order through the courts.

How to prepare now

You don't need to do anything yet. The database isn't open for registration. But you can prepare by:

1. Gathering all your property data in one place
2. Making sure your safety certificates are up to date
3. Confirming deposit protection details
4. Having your GOV.UK One Login set up

LetShield's PRS Readiness tool collects exactly the data fields the database is expected to need, so when registration opens you'll be ready to submit in minutes.