For landlords working with letting agents in Corsham, the next stage of the Renters’ Rights Act is already worth preparing for. From late 2026, the Government is beginning the rollout of a new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database, bringing a significant new compliance requirement for landlords in England. A Landlord Ombudsman is also being established as part of the same phase of reforms.
The changes come after the first major phase of the Renters’ Rights Act took effect on 1 May 2026. Fixed term assured shorthold tenancies have moved to assured periodic tenancies, while Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions have ended. For landlords, the focus is now shifting towards registration, record-keeping and demonstrating compliance.
What is the new PRS Database?
The PRS Database is intended to create a central record of private landlords and their rental properties in England.
The Government says the database will help:
- Landlords understand and demonstrate their legal obligations
- Tenants make more informed decisions when choosing a property
- Local councils identify landlords and target enforcement activity
- Keep important property and compliance information together in one place
The initial regional rollout is scheduled to begin from late 2026. Registration will be mandatory for private landlords, with an annual fee to be confirmed closer to launch.
What information could landlords need to provide?
The Government’s current roadmap indicates that landlords will be expected to provide information such as:
- Landlords contact details, including details for joint landlords
- The property’s full address
- Property type and number of bedrooms
- Number of households or residents
- Whether the property is occupied and furnished
- Gas, electrical and Energy Performance Certificate information
The exact requirements will depend on the regulations made for the database, so landlords should avoid assuming that the current proposed list is the final version.
Is the Landlord Ombudsman coming in 2026?
Yes, but there is an important distinction between establishing the scheme and being required to join it.
The Renters’ Rights Act provides for a mandatory PRS Landlord Ombudsman. Its purpose is to give tenants access to an independent redress service when problems with their landlord cannot be resolved.
However, the Government’s implementation roadmap currently expects mandatory landlord membership to be required in 2028, once the Ombudsman is ready to accept members. The Government will provide landlords with notice before membership becomes compulsory.
That means landlords should treat late 2026 as the point to start getting organised, rather than waiting until an Ombudsman membership deadline arrives.
Why compliance records matter more than ever
The direction of travel is clear: landlords will increasingly need to demonstrate that their properties meet their responsibilities.
This makes it sensible to review your records now, including:
- Property and landlord details
- Gas and electrical safety documentation
- EPC records
- Tenancy information
- Rent records
- Property inspection records
- Repairs and maintenance history
- Tenant communications
A well-maintained compliance file can make future registration and property management considerably easier.
For landlords using a professional letting or property management service, this is also an opportunity to establish who is responsible for maintaining each record and responding to compliance requirements.
What does this mean for property values and rental strategy?
Compliance is only one part of successful property ownership. Landlords also need to understand whether their property is being positioned correctly within the local market.
If you are asking, “what is the rental value of my property?”, a professional assessment can help establish an appropriate asking rent based on the property’s condition, location, features and current demand.
A lettings valuation can also be useful when reviewing your investment strategy. The objective should not simply be to advertise at the highest possible figure. An unrealistic asking rent can increase marketing time and contribute to longer void periods.
With the Renters’ Rights Act changing how landlords manage tenancies, reviewing both compliance and rental performance makes sense.
Preparing before the next deadline
The biggest mistake landlords can make is treating every Renters’ Rights Act change as something to deal with only when the Government announces a deadline.
Instead, use the remainder of 2026 to:
- Audit your property records and identify missing documentation.
- Check your compliance information is current and accurately recorded.
- Review your tenancy management processes following the May 2026 reforms.
- Monitor official guidance as the PRS Database rollout develops.
- Review your rental strategy and obtain a professional lettings valuation where appropriate.
- Consider whether professional property management could reduce the administrative burden as regulation increases.
The new database and Ombudsman represent a wider shift towards greater transparency and accountability in the private rented sector. For landlords, being organised now can make the transition considerably smoother.
The Government has confirmed that the PRS Database rollout will begin regionally from December 2026, while mandatory Ombudsman membership is currently expected from 2028. Keeping ahead of these changes will help landlords avoid a last-minute compliance scramble.