The private rented sector is changing, and landlords have another important development to prepare for: the new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database.
Introduced as part of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the database will create a central register of private landlords and their rental properties in England. It is intended to improve transparency, help tenants make informed decisions and give local authorities better information to support enforcement.
For landlords in Dursley, Cam, Berkeley, Wotton-under-Edge and the surrounding Gloucestershire area, understanding the new requirements now can help make the transition much smoother.
So, what is the PRS Database, when will you need to register, and what can you do to prepare?
What is the PRS Database?
The PRS Database is a new government registration service for private landlords and their rental properties in England.
Landlords will be required to register themselves and each relevant property they let. The database will collect information about landlords, their properties and relevant compliance matters.
The aim is to make it easier for tenants to access information about the properties they are considering renting, while helping local authorities identify landlords and properties that may require further attention.
The database forms part of the wider Renters’ Rights Act reforms, which are intended to improve standards and accountability across the private rented sector.
When will landlords in Gloucestershire need to register?
The government has announced a phased rollout of the registration requirements across England, with different regions given specific registration periods.
Under the currently published timetable:
- 15 December 2026: The service opens, with the West Midlands first in the rollout.
- 15 January to 15 July 2027: Registration requirements begin in further regions in stages.
- 15 August 2027: The registration period begins for the South West, including Gloucestershire.
- 14 November 2027: The published deadline for South West landlords to register.
Although the service opens in December 2026, landlords in Gloucestershire will have a later registration deadline under the regional rollout.
The published timetable gives South West landlords until November 2027 to complete registration. However, it is worth getting organised early rather than leaving everything until the deadline.
As the detailed regulations and implementation arrangements may be updated, landlords should check the latest official guidance before registering.
How much will registration cost?
The published registration fee is £65 per property per year.
Landlords with several rental properties will need to budget for the applicable fee for each property they register, with registration requiring annual renewal.
For landlords managing a portfolio, it is worth factoring this into your property expenses alongside insurance, maintenance, safety checks and other ongoing costs.
The fee arrangements may be adjusted during the phased rollout, so check the latest guidance when making your registration plans.
What information will you need?
The registration process will require landlords to provide information about themselves and their properties.
You should start reviewing records such as:
- Landlord details: Your personal details and contact information.
- Property information: The full address and relevant details of each rental property.
- Ownership arrangements: Information about ownership and any joint landlords.
- Safety documentation: Relevant gas safety records and electrical safety reports.
- Energy efficiency: Your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and any relevant exemption information.
- Tenancy details: Information required about the property’s letting arrangements.
The precise information required will depend on the applicable regulations and the circumstances of each property.
If you own several properties, reviewing your records now can help identify missing, expired or outdated information before you need to register.
Will the PRS Database replace your other landlord responsibilities?
No. Registering on the database does not replace your existing legal responsibilities as a landlord.
You will still need to comply with the relevant requirements for property safety, tenancy management, licensing and property condition.
The database is one part of the wider regulatory framework, so it is important to keep your overall compliance arrangements under review.
Landlords should also remember that using a letting agent does not automatically transfer all legal responsibility for a property to the agent. It is important to understand which responsibilities remain yours and which tasks your agent has agreed to manage.
How can Bennett Jones Partnership help?
Keeping up with changing legislation, safety documentation, maintenance and registration requirements can be time-consuming, particularly if you own several properties.
At Bennett Jones Partnership, we work with landlords across Dursley, Cam, Berkeley, Wotton-under-Edge and the surrounding Gloucestershire area, helping them manage their properties and navigate the responsibilities that come with being a landlord.
Our fully managed letting service is designed to take the day-to-day pressure off property ownership. Depending on the service agreed, we can help coordinate maintenance, manage tenant communication, arrange inspections and help you keep track of important compliance requirements.
Having an experienced local team to support you can make managing your property more straightforward, particularly as the rules governing the private rented sector continue to evolve.
Need a helping hand with your rental property?
Whether you currently manage your property yourself or already use a letting agent, we’re happy to discuss how we can help.
If you have questions about the upcoming PRS Database, want to review your property management arrangements or would simply like to spend less time dealing with the day-to-day demands of being a landlord, our team is here to help.
Get in touch with Bennett Jones Partnership today to find out more about our fully managed letting service and how we can help look after your investment in Dursley and the surrounding area.
Your property. Your investment. Our local expertise.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Registration dates, fees and requirements should be checked against the latest official government guidance before action is taken.
