Landlord Ombudsman & PRS Portal to be introduced

Mandatory Registration for ALL Landlords

Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, two new forms of landlord regulation will be introduced.

Key changes:

• A Private Rented Sector Database will be created, and landlords will be legally required to register themselves and their properties.
• Landlords will be mandated to join a new Ombudsman scheme.
• Dispute resolution processes will be formalised within the Ombudsman framework.
  
  

What This Means for Landlords

• Every rental property will have to be registered on the new PRS Database before it can be marketed or let.
• Landlords will have to register details of themselves and the property manager on the database.
• Any fines and other penalties issued against the landlord may be listed on the database.
• Changes to legislation and requirements will be communicated to landlords via the database, which will contain guidance to help them understand and comply with their legal obligations and responsibilities.
• Failure to register on the database or join the Ombudsman could result in a civil penalty of up to £7,000 for a first offence and up to £40,000 for repeated non-compliance.
• The new Ombudsman’s dispute resolution service will be able to handle landlord/tenant disagreements and issues – such as refusal to allow a pet.
• It should be less costly and time-consuming for landlords to resolve disputes with their tenants, as the Ombudsman is hoped to help reduce the need for court action.
  
  

Steps for Landlords to Stay Compliant

• Register all required information on the new portal – personal information and details for every property.
• Join the landlord Ombudsman scheme.
• Keep careful records of maintenance, tenancy agreements, communications with tenants and complaint resolutions.
• Stay updated on the latest legal requirements to avoid being fined or prosecuted.
  
  

What This Means for Tenants

• Tenants will be able to search the database to see whether their landlord has had any fines or other penalties in the past.
• If a tenant has a complaint about their landlord or there is a dispute, they will be able to take the matter to the Ombudsman. This will give them a much easier route to redress.
  
  

Stay compliant – Get your Renters' Rights Health Check

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FAQs

1) What is the PRS portal?

The PRS (Private Rented Sector) portal will hold details of landlords and their properties and will also act as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for landlords, with guidance to help them understand and comply with their legal obligations and responsibilities. Registration on the portal will be mandatory for landlords.

2) Who will need to register on the PRS portal?

All landlords letting property will have to register details of themselves and their properties.

3) What will happen if I don’t register?

The council could issue a civil penalty of up to £7,000 for a first offence and up to £40,000 for repeated non-compliance.

4) What is the landlord Ombudsman scheme?

This is a new service that will be set up to handle tenant complaints and provide a dispute resolution service for landlords and tenants. All landlords will be required to join the scheme.

5) Will membership of the new Ombudsman be required for all landlords?

Yes, all landlords will have to join the scheme to remain compliant. If they fail to join, the council could issue a civil penalty of up to £7,000 for a first offence and up to £40,000 for repeated non-compliance.

6) How will the new Ombudsman scheme benefit landlords?

It will offer a structured dispute resolution process, which should reduce the risk of ending up in court, saving landlords money and time.

7) Will there be a cost to registering on the portal and membership of the Ombudsman?

Yes. Although we don’t yet know how much this will be, the Government has said it will “work to ensure that the fee is proportionate and good value”.

8) Will tenants be able to file complaints against landlords?

Yes, if they have been unable to resolve issues directly with their landlord, tenants will be able to escalate complaints to the new Ombudsman.

9) How do I register my properties?

Landlords will be able to register through the official PRS portal once it is fully implemented.

10) Will this affect existing tenancy agreements?

No, but landlords will have to comply with the new dispute resolution requirements. 

11) Where can I get support for compliance?

The most reliable way to ensure properties remain legally compliant is to use the services of a qualified and professional property lettings and management company. If self-managing, landlords should seek advice from legal specialists.