Renters’ Rights webinar: Landlord database and ombudsman plans under the microscope

The new landlord database, ombudsman and local authority enforcement plans will be discussed in our final Renters’ Rights webinar of 2025 next week. 

Enforcement

New enforcement powers for local authorities will be the first element of the Act to be introduced in just a few weeks’ time on 27th December. 

Councils will have significantly enhanced powers to investigate and enforce against landlords or agents who breach the terms of the new Act, with fines of up to £40,000 for getting it wrong. They have also been given powers to allow council officers to enter into different types of premises without a warrant. 

The webinar will cover the extent of these new powers and what you need to do to ensure you are compliant. 

PRS database and ombudsman 

The introduction of the PRS database – which will make it mandatory to list your property details on a publicly available register – and a Landlord Ombudsman to deal with disputes, require secondary legislation and so will be introduced later. 

According to the Government’s implementation timetable, the rollout of the database will begin late next year and will happen on a region-by-region basis. There will be an annual charge for your listing and as well as your property details you will need to include copies of all the relevant safety documentation related to them. 

Mandatory sign-up for the PRS landlord ombudsman, which will have powers to compel landlords to issue an apology, provide information, take remedial action, and/or pay compensation to tenants – is also expected to come with a cost, and is pencilled in for 2028. 

Your exclusive member webinar 

Next week's webinar, which will be held on Zoom on 10th December,  will run from 11am-12noon and will include a presentation by the NRLA policy team followed by a live Q&A. If you’d like to submit any questions in advance, please email [email protected] 

The event is the latest in our fortnightly series of webinars explaining and preparing you for the Renters’ Rights Act. The next webinar, sponsored by RentGuarantor, will address the issue of student letting and will be held on January 7th. For more information, and to book, click here.

More information 

• To access  frequently asked questions about the legislation, click here.  

• To visit our Renters’ Rights Hub, packed with information and resources to help you manage the transition click here. 

• The NRLA’s award-winning training academy runs a comprehensive Renters' Rights Act training offer. Click here to book your place.