29/10/2026
The government has published new guidance for letting agents and property managers ahead of the introduction of mandatory rental property registration in England.
The guidance, released today, explains how agents can help landlords register their properties under the Renters’ Rights Act 2026.
Registration will begin in the West Midlands on 15 December 2026, with a phased rollout across England continuing until November 2027.
Landlords will be legally responsible for registering themselves and their properties. However, agents will be able to submit certain information on their behalf.
The government has confirmed that using the agent service will be voluntary.
Agents are being encouraged to discuss registration arrangements with landlords before the system launches.
What letting agents will need to know
Under the new system, landlords must start each property registration and pay an annual registration fee.
They can then authorise their letting agent or property manager to provide information about the property.
This includes:
HMO, additional and selective licensing details.
The number of tenants and households.
Whether the property is furnished.
The monthly rent and any bills included.
Gas safety certificates.
Electrical safety certificates, including EICRs.
Energy performance certificates (EPCs).
Agents will receive a unique access link for each property. They can use it to submit information and update records.
However, agents will be responsible for the accuracy of any information they submit.
Landlords will receive notifications when their agents update property details.
Strict 28-day deadlines
The guidance introduces important deadlines for landlords and agents.
If required information is not submitted within 28 days, the property’s registration will become inactive. The landlord could also breach their legal obligations.
Landlords must also update registration information within 28 days of any changes.
This includes changes to rent, tenant numbers and compliance certificates.
Agents can make these updates on behalf of landlords using their existing access links.
New rules for advertising rental properties
The government has also confirmed plans to require landlords to register properties before they can be marketed.
Once this requirement takes effect, letting agents will need to check that both the landlord and property are registered before advertising.
Property adverts will also need to display two registration numbers:
Landlord registration number: L-###X-###X.
Rental property number: P-###X-###X.
These advertising requirements will be introduced at a later stage. They do not apply from the initial regional registration dates.
Registration timetable
The government has confirmed the following regional deadlines:
Table: region registration periods
Region
Start date
End date (before midnight)
West Midlands
15 December 2026
14 March 2027
East of England
15 January 2027
14 April 2027
East Midlands
15 February 2027
14 May 2027
South East
15 March 2027
14 June 2027
Yorkshire and Humberside
15 April 2027
14 July 2027
North West
15 May 2027
14 August 2027
North East
15 June 2027
14 September 2027
London
15 July 2027
14 October 2027
South West
15 August 2027
14 November 2027
Agents urged to prepare
Letting agents intending to support landlords should begin checking their property records.
They will also need a secure process for managing registration links and passwords.
The government says multiple staff members can update a property’s registration using the same link and password.
However, agents cannot reset passwords themselves. A landlord must cancel the existing link and issue a new one.
During the initial rollout, registration will generally apply to properties let under assured periodic or regulated tenancies.
The requirement will later expand to properties being advertised for rent, including vacant homes.
