Registration
No possession order while you lack an active PRS Database entry (except Grounds 7A/14)
Once commenced, a court cannot make a possession order while the landlord (or any joint landlord) does not have active landlord and property entries on the PRS Database, except for anti-social behaviour Grounds 7A and 14.
- Status
- Not yet in force: confirmed, no start date
- Penalty
- See below
- Topic
- Registration
We hold this rule at medium confidence. Read the linked law before you rely on it.
Who it applies to
Possession claims by residential landlords after the database duty is commenced for the property.
What you will need to do
Keep active landlord and dwelling entries (registered, renewed and fee paid) before and during any possession claim.
- Deadline
Ongoing
Commencement date for HA 1988 s.7(5ZC) not yet set.
Evidence to keep
- Active registration status at the date of the claim and hearing
If you do not comply
- Other consequences
- Court may not make a possession order on any ground other than 7A or 14.
The law
- Renters' Rights Act 2025, s.90 (restriction on gaining possession; inserts HA 1988 s.7(5ZC))legislation.gov.uk
- Renters' Rights Act 2025, s.82 (s.82(3)(a) duty to have active entries)legislation.gov.uk
Official guidance
- Get ready: 'Register your rental property' service (MHCLG)housinghub.campaign.gov.uk
Notes
Enacted but not yet in force: s.90 is commenced only for regulation-making, and legislation.gov.uk lists s.7(5ZC) as an outstanding change to HA 1988. The GOV.UK pages reviewed do not yet state when this bar starts.
Other registration rules
3 rules- Register yourself and each let property on the PRS Database ('Register your rental property')Not yet in force: confirmed from 15 December 2026Fine up to £7,000
From 15 December 2026, region by region, landlords of assured and regulated tenancies must register themselves and every let property on the government's 'Register your rental property' service, pay £65 per property per year, and keep entries up to date.
- London properties: PRS Database registration window 15 July to 14 October 2027Not yet in force: confirmed from 15 July 2027Fine up to £7,000
For let properties in Greater London (the 32 boroughs and the City of London), the registration requirement starts on 15 July 2027 and registration must be completed by 14 October 2027.
- Landlord ombudsman (redress scheme) membership: expected 2028, not yet requiredNot yet in force: confirmed, no start dateFine up to £7,000
Private landlords will have to join a government-approved landlord redress scheme (the PRS Landlord Ombudsman). The government expects mandatory sign-up in 2028; no start date has been set in law.