Renters’ Rights: Phase 2 Is Coming – Are You Ready?
With Phase 2 now approaching, I’d make this particularly Landlord-focused, explaining what is coming, what landlords should be doing now, and how Moreland can help them stay organised and compliant.
Renters’ Rights Act: Phase 2 Is Coming – What Landlords Need to Know
The first major phase of the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026, bringing significant changes to the way private rented properties are let and managed in England.
Now, attention is turning to Phase 2, which is due to begin rolling out from late 2026.
For landlords, this next stage will introduce two important developments:
* A new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database
* A new PRS Landlord Ombudsman
The Government has confirmed that the database will begin rolling out region by region from December 2026.
What is the new PRS Database?
The new database is intended to create a central source of information about privately rented properties and their landlords.
Registration will be mandatory for private landlords, with landlords required to provide information about themselves and their rental properties and pay an annual registration fee of £65.
The Government expects the information to include details such as:
* The landlord's contact details
* The property's full address
* Property type and number of bedrooms
* Information about households or residents
* Whether the property is occupied and furnished
* Gas, electrical and Energy Performance Certificate information
Why does this matter to landlords?
For landlords, it means that keeping property information accurate and up to date will become increasingly important.
Rather than viewing registration as something to deal with when the system goes live, landlords should start making sure that their property records and compliance documents are in order now.
That means checking that certificates, property details and landlord information are accurate and readily available.
A new Landlord Ombudsman
Phase 2 will also introduce a PRS Landlord Ombudsman.
The scheme is intended to provide a formal route for tenants to raise complaints and seek redress where issues cannot be resolved directly with their landlord.
The Ombudsman is expected to provide support and guidance to landlords as well as tenants.
The Government's current roadmap anticipates mandatory landlord membership being introduced in 2028, once the service has been established and is ready to operate.
This means landlords will need to get used to having a formal complaints and redress process as part of operating a private rental property.
Phase 2 doesn't mean you can wait until December
Although the database rollout is still ahead, there is plenty landlords can do now.
The first phase of the Renters' Rights Act has already changed the way tenancies operate. Since 1 May 2026, existing assured shorthold tenancies have moved to assured periodic tenancies, while new tenancies are also generally periodic. Section 21 'no-fault' evictions have also been abolished.
For landlords, this makes good record keeping and ongoing compliance more important than ever.
Your landlord checklist
If you haven't already done so, now is a good time to review:
Property information
Make sure the property's details, ownership information and contact details are accurate.
Safety certificates
Check that Gas Safety, Electrical Safety and EPC documentation is current and available.
Tenancy documentation
Make sure your tenancy paperwork reflects the current legislation and that the required information has been provided to tenants.
Rent and tenancy records
Keep clear records of rent payments, increases, correspondence and notices.
Property management
Make sure inspections, repairs, maintenance and tenant communications are properly recorded.
Complaints
Have a clear process for dealing with tenant concerns and resolving issues promptly.
How Moreland can help
For landlords who use Moreland's management service, compliance isn't something we simply look at when a deadline arrives.
Our role is to help you stay on top of the ongoing responsibilities involved in letting a property.
As further details of Phase 2 are released, we will continue to keep our managed landlords informed and help ensure the relevant information and documentation is in place.
For landlords who currently manage their own properties, the increasing level of regulation may also be a good opportunity to review whether full property management could make life easier.
The Renters' Rights Act is changing the way private property is managed. Our job is to help make sure you don't have to navigate those changes alone.
Thinking about switching to professional management?
If you're concerned about keeping up with the Renters' Rights Act, compliance requirements, tenant communication and the day-to-day management of your property, speak to the Moreland lettings team.
We can talk you through our fully managed service and explain how we can help look after your property and keep the administration under control.
Moreland Estate Agents
Professional property management. Local knowledge. Peace of mind.
Don't leave it until the last minute. Failure to register a property on the new PRS Database could result in a civil penalty of up to £7,000, with penalties of up to £40,000 possible for serious or repeated breaches.
