The Government has set out further details on upcoming rules that will require landlords in England to register their rental properties.
From 15 December, registration will open to landlords in the West Midlands, the first area to be affected by the scheme.
They will have until March 14 next year to register.
The remaining regional deadlines are as follows:
- East of England: April 14, 2027
- East Midlands: 14 May 2027
- Southeast: June 14, 2027
- Yorkshire and Humberside: 14 July 2027
- Northwest: August 14, 2027
- Northeast: September 14, 2027
- London: October 14, 2027
- Southwest: November 14, 2027
Landlords will have to pay an annual fee of £65 per property.
To register, they will have to provide their address, number of bedrooms and rental status, as well as information about any managing agents and freeholders.
They will also need to provide gas and electricity safety certificates, an energy performance certificate, as well as rental information including rent and details of any property licences.
Landlords will need to provide these details when first registering the property or within 28 days.
If they fail to do so within the time frame, property registrations may be deactivated leaving property owners in violation of the rules.
Landlords are responsible for the initial registration, after which they can ask the letting agent or management to provide tenancy and health and safety information on their behalf.
However, the landlord will still be responsible for ensuring the property register is completed within 28 days.
The government also plans to require landlord and property registration numbers to be included in rental advertisements.
It has not yet said when the declaration requirement will take effect, and says more guidance will be published in advance.
