New Landlord Registration Scheme: What Peterborough Landlords Need to Know

The private rented sector has already seen some significant changes during 2026, but another important requirement is now on the horizon for landlords.

As part of the next phase of the Renters’ Rights Act, the Government is introducing a new national landlord registration service for privately rented properties in England.

The service, called “Register your rental property”, is due to launch on 15 December 2026, before being rolled out across England region by region.

So, what do landlords need to know – and do you need to do anything yet?

What is the new landlord registration scheme?

The new service will create a national database of private landlords and their rental properties.

Registration will be a legal requirement, rather than an optional accreditation scheme.

The Government says the database is intended to provide greater transparency within the private rented sector, help landlords understand and demonstrate compliance with their responsibilities, and give local authorities better information to identify properties and landlords where intervention may be required.

It will also eventually provide tenants with access to certain information when considering a property to rent.

When does landlord registration start?

The Government has confirmed that the new registration service will launch on 15 December 2026, beginning in the West Midlands.

Rather than requiring every landlord in England to register on the same day, the scheme will then be introduced progressively across different regions over approximately 12 months.

When a particular area is brought into the scheme, landlords with rental properties in that region will be given a three-month period in which to register.

The Government has confirmed that all landlords actively letting property in England will need to have registered by 14 November 2027.

At the time of writing, the specific registration date for Peterborough and the surrounding area has not yet been announced.

What information will landlords have to provide?

The final regulations will provide the detailed requirements, but the Government has already indicated the type of information it expects landlords to supply.

This is expected to include information about the landlord, including relevant details for joint landlords, together with information about each rental property.

Property information is expected to include details such as the address, property type, number of bedrooms, number of households or residents, whether the property is occupied and whether it is furnished.

Importantly, the database is also expected to contain key property safety and compliance information, including details relating to:

• Gas safety
• Electrical safety
• Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

Landlords will also have an ongoing responsibility to ensure that the information held on the register remains up to date.

Will landlords have to pay to register?

Yes.

The Government has confirmed that landlords will be required to pay an annual registration fee.

However, at the time of writing, the amount of that fee has not yet been announced.

We would therefore caution landlords against relying on figures currently being suggested online. Until the Government publishes the final fee structure and regulations, the actual cost of registration remains to be confirmed.

Will properties have to be registered before they can be advertised?

Eventually, yes.

During the initial rollout, the requirements will principally apply to properties that are already let or become occupied during the rollout period.

However, the Government has confirmed that future legislation will extend the requirement so that unoccupied rental properties will also need to be registered before they can be marketed for let.

Landlords and letting agents will then also be required to include the property's registration number within property advertising.

This means registration is set to become an important part of the process of bringing a property to the rental market.

What happens if a landlord doesn't register?

This isn't simply an administrative exercise that landlords will be able to ignore.

Registration will be a legal requirement, with enforcement action and financial penalties available where landlords fail to comply with their obligations.

It is therefore going to be important for landlords – particularly those with several properties – to have a system in place to ensure registrations are completed and the information subsequently remains accurate and up to date.

Do Peterborough landlords need to do anything now?

For most landlords, not yet.

Peterborough has not been included in the first area of the rollout and the Government has yet to confirm when landlords within our region will be required to register.

There is therefore no need to panic or attempt to register before the service becomes applicable locally.

What landlords can do, however, is make sure that their property records and compliance documentation are in good order.

With Gas Safety Certificates, electrical safety information and EPC details expected to form part of the new database, good record keeping will become increasingly important.

Will City & County be helping its managed landlords?

Yes.

As the regulatory responsibilities placed upon landlords continue to evolve, so too does our management service.

We are currently reviewing the requirements of the new registration scheme and considering how we can best assist our managed landlords with the process.

Once the Government has confirmed the remaining details – including the applicable charges, registration process and regional timetable – we will communicate directly with our landlords, explaining what is required and the support City & County will be providing.

For the time being, our managed landlords do not need to contact us or take any specific action in relation to registration. We will keep them informed as the scheme develops.

Another significant change for landlords

The landlord registration scheme follows the major tenancy reforms which came into force on 1 May 2026 and represents the next stage of the Government's reform of the private rented sector.

For landlords, the direction of travel is clear: property management increasingly involves much more than simply finding a tenant and collecting the rent.

Compliance, documentation, safety requirements, tenancy administration and now national registration are becoming an increasingly important part of being a residential landlord.

For those who would prefer support navigating these responsibilities, our lettings team at City & County Sales & Lettings is here to help.

Are you a landlord in Peterborough or the surrounding area?

Whether you have one rental property or a larger portfolio, if you would like to discuss the forthcoming changes or find out more about our property management services, contact the City & County lettings team.

Information correct as at 11 September 2026. Further details of the landlord registration scheme, including the registration fee and regional rollout timetable, are still to be confirmed by the Government.