A new landlord registration scheme is set to be introduced across England from December 2026, bringing new requirements for landlords in the private rented sector.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the Government is introducing a rental property register designed to give local authorities better access to information about landlords and the properties they let.
If you own a rental property in Newcastle-under-Lyme or the surrounding areas, here’s what you need to know about the changes, registration deadlines and how to prepare
What Is the Register Your Rental Property service?
The new ‘Register Your Rental Property’ service will require landlords of assured and regulated tenancies to register themselves and each property they let.
The register is intended to help local authorities monitor compliance and support enforcement. In the future, tenants will also be able to use the service to check whether landlords are meeting key legal requirements, helping them make more informed decisions when choosing a rental property.
Registration will be introduced regionally, meaning landlords will need to follow the timetable that applies to the location of each rental property.
For landlords with properties in Newcastle-under-Lyme and the wider West Midlands, registration opens on 15th December 2026, with the registration period ending on 14th March 2027.
| Region | Registration period |
| West Midlands | 15th December 2026 – 14th March 2027 |
| East of England | 15th January – 14th April 2027 |
| East Midlands | 15th February – 14th May 2027 |
| South East | 15th March – 14th June 2027 |
| Yorkshire and Humber | 15th April – 14th July 2027 |
| North West | 15th May – 14th August 2027 |
| North East | 15th June – 14th September 2027 |
| London | 15th July – 14th October 2027 |
| South West | 15th August – 14th November 2027 |
If you own properties in multiple regions, you’ll need to meet the deadline applicable to each one. The Government’s timetable also allows landlords to register properties in other regions from 15th December 2026 if they wish to do so earlier.
What Information Will Landlords Need to Provide?
| Information required | What landlords need to provide |
| Property details | Address, ownership type and number of bedrooms. |
| Landlord and management details | Landlord contact details and information about any superior landlord or property manager. |
| Tenancy and occupancy | Whether the property is currently let, the number of occupants and households, and relevant licensing details. |
| Rental details | Rent charged, payment frequency and whether utilities are included. |
| Safety and compliance | Evidence relating to gas safety, electrical safety and energy performance requirements. |
How Can Landlords Prepare for Registration?
Although the registration service is not due to open until December 2026, there are a few practical steps landlords can take now to prepare for the new requirements.
Set up a GOV.UK One Login
You’ll need a GOV.UK One Login to access the registration service, so make sure you’re ready to use it when registration opens.
Check your documentation
Review the documents you already hold for each property and identify anything that is missing, out of date or due for renewal before registration.
Familiarise yourself with the process
Visit the Government’s Get ready to register guidance to understand the process and what you’ll need to do when the service opens.
Speak to your letting agent
If a letting agent or property manager looks after your property, talk to them now about the information they already hold and how they can support you with registration. Nick Edwards, Lettings Manager at Follwells, explains:
“The landlord remains responsible for starting and completing registration. However, where a landlord uses a letting agent or property manager, they will be able to agree for the agent to provide certain information on their behalf. The UK Government will issue specific guidance for letting agents and property managers before the service goes live.”
– Nick Edwards, Lettings Manager, Follwells
Need Advice About Your Rental Property?
If you have questions about the new landlord registration requirements or need advice about managing your rental property, get in touch with us by calling 01782 615530 or emailing lettings@follwells.co.uk.
FAQs
How much does landlord registration cost?
The annual fee is £65 for each property, with registration requiring renewal every year.
Can my letting agency complete the registration for me?
No, the landlord remains responsible for starting and completing registration. However, you can ask your letting agent or property manager to provide information on your behalf. The Government will publish specific guidance for letting agents and property managers before the service goes live.
What happens if I miss the registration deadline?
Landlords who fail to register risk a financial penalty. Local authorities will be able to begin enforcement activity once the deadline for their region has passed.
When do landlords in Newcastle-under-Lyme need to register?
The West Midlands registration period is scheduled to run from 15th December 2026 to 14th March 2027. The deadline is based on the location of your rental property, rather than where you live.
Do I need to register an empty rental property?
During the initial rollout, landlords will need to register properties that are already let or become let during the relevant registration period. Empty properties will not need to be registered during the first phase, although requirements are expected to change in a later phase.