The private rented sector continues to change, and landlords need to stay informed.
Following the introduction of the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act in May 2026, the Government has now announced further changes aimed at improving transparency for renters and helping councils identify landlords who may not be meeting their legal responsibilities.
For landlords, this means another important date to put in the diary, and another reason to make sure your property, paperwork and processes are all in order.
A new national landlord registration service
One of the biggest announcements is the introduction of a new national Register your rental property service.
The service is designed to create a clearer picture of the private rented sector across England. It will give councils access to information about rental properties and landlords, helping them identify rogue landlords and take action where necessary.
For responsible landlords, the register is also intended to create a fairer market by making it easier to demonstrate that they are operating to the required standards.
The service is due to launch on 15 December 2026, starting in the West Midlands before gradually rolling out across other areas over the following 12 months.
What does registration mean for landlords?
Registration will become a legal requirement.
When a landlord’s area is called forward, landlords with properties that are being let, or which become occupied during the rollout, will have a three-month period to register.
The Government says all landlords actively letting property will need to have registered by 14 November 2027.
There will be consequences for landlords who don’t comply, including the risk of a fine.
The Government also plans for registration numbers to become part of the advertising process. In the future, landlords and letting agents will need to include the relevant registration number when advertising a property to let.
This means registration is not simply another piece of paperwork to put to one side. It is expected to become part of the normal process of letting a property.
What should landlords do now?
There is no need to panic, but it is worth being prepared.
Landlords should make sure they know:
- Which properties are currently let
- Who manages each property
- That their property records are accurate and up to date
- That required safety and compliance documents are in place
- That they understand their responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act
- When their area is called forward for registration
- What information they will need when registering
If you use a letting agent, it’s also worth speaking to them about how the new registration requirements will be handled.
A good agent should be keeping an eye on legislative changes and helping landlords understand what they need to do.
Why this matters for landlords
The private rented sector is becoming increasingly regulated.
The days of simply finding a tenant, collecting the rent and dealing with problems as they arise are long gone.
Landlords now need to think about:
Compliance
Are you meeting all your legal responsibilities as a landlord?
Documentation
Are your records, certificates and tenancy paperwork up to date?
Legislation
Do you understand how the Renters’ Rights Act affects your property?
Communication
Are you keeping tenants informed and responding correctly to requests?
Future changes
Are you keeping up with new requirements as they are introduced?
For landlords managing their own properties, keeping track of all of this can become time-consuming.
How can a letting agent help?
This is where a professional letting agent can add real value.
A fully managed service isn’t simply about advertising your property and finding a tenant.
It is about having someone who understands the lettings process, keeps up with changes in legislation and can help you navigate the day-to-day responsibilities that come with being a landlord.
At DDM Lettings, we understand that being a landlord comes with responsibilities that extend well beyond collecting the rent.
From finding and referencing tenants to managing the tenancy and keeping landlords informed about changes that could affect their property, having the right support can make managing a rental property much easier.
Don’t wait until the deadline
The new registration service isn’t fully live across England yet, but the rollout begins in December 2026.
That gives landlords time to make sure their records and property management arrangements are in good shape.
The Renters’ Rights Act is bringing significant changes to the private rented sector, and more developments are still to come.
If you’re a landlord in Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Brigg, Barton-upon-Humber, Gainsborough, Lincoln or the surrounding areas, and you’re unsure what the latest changes mean for you, speaking to an experienced letting agent could help.
Get in touch with us to find out more about our fully managed lettings service.
