Guides › Rent and Deposits › Landlord Register and Landlord Ombudsman: What Is Coming
Landlord Register and Landlord Ombudsman: What Is Coming
Under the Renters' Rights Act, landlords will have to register themselves and their properties on a Private Rented Sector Database, with roll-out starting from late 2026 and penalties for letting without registering. A Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman, giving tenants free redress, will follow in stages, with delivery expected in 2028. Until then, use your council, a redress scheme for letting agents, or the courts.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
What Is Planned
Database
A register where landlords record themselves and their properties. Landlords with assured or regulated tenancies must register, and penalties may apply if a property is marketed or let without registration. Roll-out starts from late 2026, with an annual fee to be confirmed. source
Landlord Ombudsman
A redress service for tenants when problems arise, mandatory for private landlords, introduced in stages after the database, with delivery expected in 2028. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 2028Landlord OmbudsmanExpected delivery
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Keep complaint letters and replies now: they will help later.
Step 2 of 5
Complain to your landlord in writing.
Step 3 of 5
For letting agents, use their redress scheme.
Step 4 of 5
Report hazards and breaches to your council.
Step 5 of 5
Check GOV.UK for launch dates.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Local Council
Housing or environmental health team. It can act on landlord breaches.
Shelter England
Free advice on deposit claims and eviction notices.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on any renting problem.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Dates are as published in October 2026 and may change.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different housing rules.
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If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- northdevon.gov.uk/renters-rights-act-2025/private-rented-sector-database Checked 15 October 2026
- england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/check_your_tenancy_deposit_is_protected/deposit_not_protected Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026