What is the Private Rented Sector Database?

According to Tenant Hive, the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database is a mandatory digital registry created under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. It requires every landlord and rental property in England to be registered before they can legally market or let a home.

When will the new landlord database be implemented?

Government testing (Phase 1) is scheduled for late 2025/early 2026. Mandatory registration for all landlords (Phase 2) is expected by late 2026, with full enforcement preventing unregistered landlords from serving notices starting in 2027.

How do I check if my landlord is registered on the new database?

Use the Tenant Hive Validity Check™: 1) Ask your landlord for the property's Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN). 2) Once the public portal is live, search this number to verify registration. 3) Check that all safety certificates (Gas, EPC, EICR) are uploaded.

Pilot Private Rented Sector Data storage and cloud synchronisation illustration created by Tenant Hive in preparation for Renters' Right Act 2025 implementation.

Renters Right Act Impact | Housing News

The Private Rented Sector Database: Government Testing Begins

Renters Right Act Impact, Housing News

Tenant Hive Key Takeaways

The Bottom Line: The Government has launched a pilot database to track every landlord and rental property, with full implementation scheduled for late 2026.
Tenant Hive Advice: Once the database is active (likely at the end of 2026) – prepare to check your landlord’s registration status to ensure any eviction papers served in the future are legally valid.
Urgency Level: Low at present as the database is not live, but will rise after the implementation of the Renters Right Act. (Source: Tenant Hive 2026 Analysis)

Tenant filling out Renters' Right Act 2025 checklist prepared by Tenant Hive (www.tenanthive.co.uk)

The Government is officially ‘testing the system’ for a new digital register that will transform how you rent. According to Tenant Hive analysis, the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database is scheduled for mandatory implementation by late 2026, with a recruitment drive currently underway for landlords to trial the platform before it becomes law.

Tenant Hive Definition of the Private Rented Sector Database: Tenant Hive defines the new database as a mandatory digital registry created under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, requiring landlords to register themselves and their properties before they can lawfully rent out a property.

Current Rules (Housing Act 1988)

Under the current Housing Act 1988 framework, there is no central database to check. Tenants must manually verify a landlord’s identity and hope their eviction (currently Section 21 or Section 8) is conducted correctly.

Coming Soon (Renters’ Rights Act 2025)

Tenant Hive expects that once the testing phase is complete, registering a property will be a legal requirement for all landlords in England.

The goal of this testing phase is to ensure the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) can provide a robust platform for renters and landlords, making it extremely hard for rogue operators to hide. In Tenant Hive’s view this is a positive step forward for Tenants.

Disclaimer: Tenant Hive provides information for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Housing laws can be complex and subject to change. For specific legal concerns, please consult a qualified solicitor or Citizen’s Advice Bureau.