A new registration service has been developed to help councils identify rogue landlords more effectively.

In an announcement yesterday, the Government confirmed that the national landlord registration service is being rolled out as part of the Renters’ Right Act reforms, with the changes being scheduled to start in December.

It will provide councils will more information to help them recognise and take quicker action against rogue landlords, as well as establishing a fairer market and ensuring stronger standards are upheld.

The service is to be introduced on a region-by-region basis, beginning in the West Midlands. Future legislation will also require prospective landlords to register unoccupied properties before letting them, allowing tenants to find out whether landlords are signed up to the service and abiding by the rules.

According to the Government, the service will be a legal requirement for landlords in England and could result in fines being handed out if not completed by November 2027.

Further changes confirmed in the announcement are surrounding the responsibilities of the HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC’s) Valuation Office, which will now be accountable for making decisions on challenges to rent increases, with the aim of assisting people in addressing rent disputes more efficiently.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: ‘By transferring responsibility for making initial rent determinations to HMRC’s Valuation Office, we will ensure that challenges to proposed rent increases are determined faster and pressure on the tribunal system is reduced, giving tenants and landlords confidence that rent disputes will continue to be resolved efficiently and effectively.

‘Rollout of a national landlord registration service is an important first step toward establishing our new innovative database of private rented sector properties which will empower tenants, support responsible landlords and help councils enforce our transformative Renters’ Rights Act.’