Surrey Property Market Update 2026: What Landlords Need to Know
Surrey Property Market Update 2026: What Landlords Need to Know
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What is the New Landlord Database & What Does It Mean for Surrey Landlords?
Landlords in England will soon have to register on a private rented sector database, under a push for professionalism. But what does this actually mean for Surrey landlords?
Ipsos research for HMRC revealed that for the majority of landlords, their property is an additional income stream. Yet whether it’s an extra investment on the side, or you’re among the 1 in 5 whose property rental business generates their primary income, the industry is become more professionalised. As such, whether you own a portfolio of properties in bustling Guildford, or rent out a family home in Cranleigh or Ripley, you will need to register for the new PRS Database.
This article explains the new what the new landlord database is, when it starts, and what landlords need to do.
Liz Gamlen
Lettings Director
Written By
What is the new landlord database under the Renters’ Rights Act?
The new landlord database will list basic property, landlord and compliance information. Renters will be able to view the rental property’s history for reassurance. Local authorities can use it to identify rogue landlords or breaches of rental law, such as excessive rent rises or lack of a valid safety certificate.
The Renters’ Rights Bill received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, bringing the new landlord database proposal and a raft of further measures to raise standards into law. These include a new landlord ombudsman, rise to 4 months’ notice to evict tenants to sell the property, new limits of rent increases, and the implementation of the Decent Homes Standard.
Why has this database been proposed?
Labour’s landlord database is being created to raise standards across the sector by increasing transparency. The idea is that good landlords can display their compliance to reassure potential tenants – discouraging rogue landlords who provide substandard homes. The government highlights that tenants feel unable to complain to their landlord for fear of a retaliatory eviction. New measures including the database make it easier for tenants to file a complaint, local councils to take action, and future tenants to know if a landlord is compliant.
How might the new database affect landlords?
You will need to register before marketing your rental property or renting to tenants. As a further incentive, landlords must be registered on the database to evict tenants under many common grounds for possession. Landlords who don’t comply with the new PRS Database regulations could receive a financial penalty of £7,000, rising to £40,000 and criminal prosecution for persistent breaches.
When will the database be rolled out?
The new private rented sector database is expected to come into force from autumn 2026, though an exact date hasn’t yet been released. However, several new rental laws from the Renters’ Rights Act will come into effect on 1 May 2026, so ensure you are compliant in good time.
What information will landlords need to supply?
The data landlords will be required to supply is expected to be similar to local authority licensing scheme requirements, covering basic information on the property and certain compliance records. With this in mind, landlords may need to provide the PRS Database with:
- Landlord details
- Property details
- Rent levels
- Deposit protection history
- Section 8 (eviction notice) history
- Health and safety certificates
- Ombudsman membership
- ‘Unique number’ allocated to the property
The NRLA has also proposed that gas and electrical safety certificates should be digitised, in an effort to reduce duplicated work and red tape. These, and energy performance certificates (EPCs) could then be uploaded to the landlord database. However, these and any other exact requirements are as yet unconfirmed.
Who can see the data and how will it be used?
The PRS Database is expected to be public information, displayed similarly to the Companies House register. However, some data may be visible only to the authorities. How much of a landlord’s data will be visible to the wider public isn’t known. It’s also expected that landlords will have to display their property’s ‘unique number’ on advertisements.
What will the PRS landlord database cost landlords?
Signing up to the PRS Database will come at a cost to landlords, but the registration fee amount hasn’t been confirmed. Labour Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Matthew Pennycook, promises the PRS landlord database cost will be “proportionate and good value”. A think tank proposed a £46 fee for landlords, as reported by Landlord Today, however this is just a suggestion.
If you need advice about the new private rented sector database, or any other aspect of property rental contact Howard Morley & Sons. We are trusted letting agents covering Godalming, Farnham and the surrounding villages from our Guildford central office.
As a well-established letting agent in Guildford, Farnham, Godalming and beyond, Howard Morley & Sons are equipped to guide Surrey landlords through their lettings journey. Contact us today to find out more.
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