The new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database will be at the heart of a long-term monitoring and enforcement framework for the rental sector under the Renters’ Rights Act, according to a new Government policy paper.

The document sets out how officials intend to collect, link and analyse data from landlords, tenants, agents, councils, tribunals and the future PRS Ombudsman.

It reveals councils are already providing voluntary enforcement data to the Government. This includes inspections, hazards identified and formal enforcement measures.

However, this is now expected to become mandatory as ministers build a clearer national picture of landlord behaviour and compliance.

Enforcement action

Councils will also be encouraged to “verify the information recorded on the Database and carry out enforcement action as appropriate”.

Landlord contact details, property information, occupancy data and safety certification are all expected to form part of the PRS Database, according to the policy paper.

Unique Property Reference Numbers

It also states ministers are exploring linking properties through Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs), potentially allowing PRS Database information to be cross-referenced with wider housing datasets.

Alongside council enforcement activity, officials say they will formally monitor tribunal activity, rent increase challenges and Ombudsman complaints to assess how landlords, tenants and agents respond to the reforms over time.

Landlords who fail to register properties on the PRS Database could face civil penalties of up to £7,000, rising to £40,000 for fraudulent information.

The changes are expected to be introduced gradually from late 2026, when enrolling on the database becomes mandatory.

You can read the full text here.