A recent survey by property management platform August indicates that over three-quarters of landlords in England are unaware of the new mandatory property register. This register is scheduled for introduction later this year as part of the Renters' Rights Act.
The survey found that only 23% of property owners were aware of the requirement to register on the database. Awareness regarding the new landlord ombudsman was similarly low among those surveyed.
From December, the Government plans to roll out the database, assigning each region in England a deadline for landlords to register. The registration fee for the database will be £65 per property.
Richard Samuel, Chief Executive at August, stated that while landlords have understood changes to letting and eviction processes, the database and ombudsman requirements, which are mandatory for all landlords in England, have not been effectively communicated.
The survey also revealed varying levels of familiarity with other provisions of the Renters' Rights Act. For instance, 59% of landlords were aware of tenants' right to request a pet, and 55% knew that rent can only be increased once a year. Around half of respondents understood that landlords cannot refuse tenants with children or those on benefits, that all new tenancies are periodic, and that Section 21 no-fault evictions have been abolished. Fewer landlords, 42%, knew that no more than one month's rent can be taken in advance.
Vicki Hextall, Area Manager at East Midlands Property Owners (EMPO), commented that the low awareness of the landlord database and ombudsman serves as a warning, despite landlords' efforts to understand other aspects of the Act.