Landlord Ombudsman & Private Rented Sector (PRS) Portal – What Landlords Need to Know

By Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director, Leaders

The Renters’ Rights Bill continues its progress through Parliament and, once passed, will bring one of the biggest shake-ups the private rented sector has seen in years. Among its key reforms are the introduction of a national Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database and a new Landlord Ombudsman service. These changes are intended to raise standards, increase accountability, and give tenants more confidence in their homes.

What is the PRS Database?

The PRS Database will require all landlords in England to register, listing details of every property they let. The aim is to give local authorities and tenants a single source of information about who owns and manages each rental property. It will also create a clear route for enforcement, as landlords who fail to register will be unable to legally let their properties.

  • Landlords will be required to provide their name, contact details and the address of every property they let.
  • Registration must be renewed periodically, and fees will apply.
  • Local authorities will be able to issue civil penalties for failure to register.
  • Tenants will be able to check if their landlord is legally registered.

The new Landlord Ombudsman service

The Bill creates a single Landlord Ombudsman that all private landlords must join. The Ombudsman will provide an independent route to resolve complaints about landlord service and property standards.

  • All landlords, even those managing properties themselves, must join the Ombudsman.
  • The Ombudsman will have the power to order landlords to apologise, provide information, take remedial action, or pay compensation.
  • Landlords who fail to comply with the Ombudsman’s decisions could face enforcement action, including fines and potential removal from the PRS Database.

What this means for landlords

The combined effect of the PRS Database and the Ombudsman will be a much higher level of oversight. Landlords will need to:

  • Register all properties promptly and ensure details remain accurate.
  • Maintain high standards of property management to avoid complaints.
  • Resolve tenant issues quickly and professionally if referred to the Ombudsman.

What this means for tenants

These reforms are designed to give tenants greater confidence and protection.

  • Access to landlord records: Tenants will be able to search the PRS Database to check whether a landlord is properly registered and whether they have received any fines or penalties.
  • Easier access to redress: If a tenant has a complaint about their landlord or a dispute arises, they will be able to take the matter to the new Landlord Ombudsman. This offers a clear, independent and free alternative to going to court.

Enforcement and penalties

Non-compliance with these new requirements will carry serious consequences. Local authorities will have the power to:

  • Issue civil penalties of up to £7,000 for a first offence and up to £40,000 for the most serious or repeated breaches.
  • Prosecute landlords who persistently fail to register or comply with the Ombudsman.
  • Prevent unregistered landlords from legally letting their properties.

Preparing now

We recommend landlords start preparing by:

  • Gathering all the information they will need for PRS Database registration.
  • Reviewing current tenancy management processes and ensuring they are robust.
  • Setting up clear complaint-handling procedures that will stand up to Ombudsman scrutiny.
  • Ensuring that all properties meet the required safety and quality standards.

Why act early?

Once the PRS Database goes live, enforcement will be swift and visible. Tenants will be able to see at a glance if a landlord is registered and compliant. Being proactive now will reduce the risk of fines and help landlords maintain a positive reputation in the market.

Our lettings teams are already working with landlords to prepare for the changes. Contact us today to discuss how we can support you in staying compliant and protecting your rental business when the new rules take effect.

EAN Breaking News

Breaking News from the team at Estate Agent Networking. Have a new story to share with us? Then please get in contact today! When and where we can we will refer to third party websites with a 'live link back' where news was released first.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Web Design for Estate Agencies: First Impressions Count

With the majority of property searches starting online, your estate agency’s website is likely the first interaction a potential client will have with your brand. And just like a beautifully staged property viewing, your website must present your business in the best possible light from the very first click. This is where a web design…
Read More
bricks rubble
Breaking News

Construction Sector Recovery Slows Pace, Yet Remains Steady

Construction starts grew 9% both in the three months to July and compared with last year. Residential work starting on-site was 10% up against the previous three months and grew 25% on a year ago. Although non-residential starts grew 7% on a quarterly basis, they slipped back 1% year-on-year. Civil engineering project starts fell 21%…
Read More
Breaking News

Small Landlords Quitting in Droves as Rental Reforms Loom

One in three letting agents report small landlord exodus – and blame the Renters’ Rights Bill 34% of agents report more small landlords quitting the market 93% fear losing independent landlords due to upcoming reforms 70% say at least some landlords have already sold up Britain’s backbone landlords are quitting in droves and the Government’s…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Safety Expert Reveals Unexpected Warning Signs of a Rodent Infestation – and How to Keep Them Out

From construction sites to kitchens – these are the clues you’re missing. With the UK seeing a rise in rat sightings across urban and suburban areas, construction health and safety expert Derek Hales from SMSTS Course is warning that most people won’t spot the signs of an infestation until it’s already a serious problem. “Rats…
Read More
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report – June 2025

The Housing Insight Report takes a monthly look at the trends affecting the UK housing market. Propertymark gathers the statistics by surveying estate and letting agents who are members of NAEA Propertymark and ARLA Propertymark. Here are the findings for June: While mortgage lending shows resilience, affordability remains the foremost barrier for buyers and renters…
Read More
Breaking News

Landlord Ombudsman & Private Rented Sector (PRS) Portal – What Landlords Need to Know

By Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director, Leaders The Renters’ Rights Bill continues its progress through Parliament and, once passed, will bring one of the biggest shake-ups the private rented sector has seen in years. Among its key reforms are the introduction of a national Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database and a new Landlord Ombudsman…
Read More