Landlord database: Rollout to start in December
Rollout of the new landlord database will begin this December – with landlords to pay £65 per property per year to register.
It is compulsory for all private sector landlords to sign up to the new database, which is being introduced under phase two of the Renters’ Rights Act.
A full timetable has now been confirmed, with the 12-month regional roll out starting in the West Midlands on 15th December. You will be given a three-month window to comply with the new rules, with all landlords to registered by 14th November next year.
You can find out your registration deadline below:
Do I need to sign up?
Landlords of homes occupied under assured or regulated tenancies must sign up to what the Government describes as a ‘Register Your Property Service’, including all existing tenancies and any signed during the roll out period.
Empty homes being marketed to let do not need to be registered at this stage – although this will change in future when you will need to provide a registration number before you can advertise your property.
It is also worth noting that agents cannot register homes on the database on your behalf, you must do this yourself.
Landlords who fail to sign up could face civil penalties of up to £7,000 – rising to £40,000 for multiple or continued breaches.
It is expected you will need to join the database via the Government website.
Valuation Office to rule on rent increases
The Government also revealed new plans to give additional power to the Valuation Office (VOA), allowing it to rule on rent disputes. As a result rent increases will be determined by HMRC. The scheme is expected to take two years to be introduced, although it is not yet clear when this process will begin.