The announcement was made today (9 September 2026) by the government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Renters are to get stronger rights in a major shake-up announced by Andy Burnham’s government. The news was released today (9 September 2026) by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in a Labour Party government.
Private tenants will receive stronger rights, greater transparency and more confidence under the next phase of the government’s tenants’ Rights Act amendments, the administration has declared.
The government has announced the roll-out of a new national landlord registration service and a clearer way to appeal rent rises in England.
The new registration service will provide municipalities with the information they need to identify rogue landlords and act faster.
Landlords will have to register too and tenants will be able to find out if their landlord or prospective landlord has registered.
Landlords in every location across England will progressively be invited to sign up to the new, simple register your rental property service. It will be mandatory by law and there will be a fine for non-compliance.
It will roll out on 15 December 2026, starting in the West Midlands and moving to other areas over 12 months.
The government stated the HMRC Valuation Office will be responsible for decisions on challenges to rent increases in England, also helping consumers resolve rent disputes more rapidly.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: “Removing responsibility for making initial rent determinations from HMRC’s Valuation Office will mean challenges to proposed rent increases are determined more quickly and reduces pressure on the tribunal system, giving tenants and landlords confidence that rent disputes will continue to be resolved efficiently and effectively.“Launching a national landlord registration service is an important first step toward establishing our new innovative database of private rented sector properties which will empower tenants, support responsible landlords and help councils enforce our transformative Renters’ Rights Act.”
James Murray, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, said: “The future rent determination service will build on the expertise of HMRC’s Valuation Office in supporting the rental sector, ensuring tenants can exercise their rights quickly and effectively. “This is an important step toward helping to deliver a modern, digital-first service that works for both tenants and landlords, creating a system that is transparent, accountable and fair.”
“I am on a mission to continue to modernise our courts and tribunals – from digital improvements to better efficiency – so those using the system can get justice sooner,” Minister for Courts and Legal Services Sarah Sackman said.