As reported on 9 September 2026, the government set out the next phase of its Renters’ Rights Act reforms for England, including a national landlord registration service and a new route for challenging rent increases. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the registration service would roll out region by region from December 2026, with landlords given a three-month window to sign up once their area is called forward. It was planned to launch on 15 December 2026 in the West Midlands and reach other areas over 12 months; all landlords actively letting property would need to be registered by 14 November 2027. Registration would be a legal requirement carrying a risk of a fine, initially applying to landlords with properties under let or becoming occupied during rollout.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said responsibility for initial rent determinations would move to HMRC’s Valuation Office to speed up challenges and reduce pressure on tribunals. Until those reforms are developed, renters challenging an increase must still apply to the First-tier Tribunal, and the release said they would not pay the higher rent until a final decision. The department also said letting agents and landlords would need to include registration numbers on adverts.