The Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database is set to be introduced regionally, with the West Midlands being the first area in December. Landlords will be required to register their properties, providing details such as addresses, the number of residents and bedrooms, and copies of gas, electricity, and EPC documents.
A software company, Veco, has warned that the database could lead to compliant landlords bearing the cost and administrative burden, while rogue landlords might choose not to register. Richard Murray, CEO of Veco, stated that his concern is the immediate cost and administrative burden will fall most heavily on good landlords and reputable letting agents.
Landlords will face a £65 annual fee per property to register on the PRS Database. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has estimated that England's planned landlord database could cost the private rented sector at least £327 million annually, with tenants potentially covering these costs.