What happens if you do not register your rental property?

Last checked 16 Oct 2026. The regulations were still in draft when we checked, so details can change.

The consequences of not registering are one of the main reasons landlords are searching for this. Here is what official sources say, and what they do not yet say.

Fines

GOV.UK's Guide to the Renters' Rights Act says:

• Councils will be able to issue a civil penalty of up to £7,000 to a landlord who lets or advertises a property before it is registered.
• Repeated breaches, or a serious offence such as providing fraudulent information to the database, can lead to a civil penalty of up to £40,000 or to criminal prosecution.

GOV.UK's separate guidance on civil penalties says it will be updated to cover these database offences once the legislation takes effect. Until then, the detailed rules on how councils set the amount are not published. Treat the figures above as maximums, not as what you will be charged.

Possession orders

The same guide says a landlord in breach will not be able to get a possession order, except under ground 7A (severe antisocial or criminal behaviour) or ground 14 (tenant antisocial behaviour). For a landlord who might want to end a tenancy, that matters as much as the fine.

You cannot let or advertise with an inactive entry

The explanatory memorandum to the draft regulations says relevant properties cannot be advertised or let if the landlord entry or dwelling entry is inactive. An entry can become inactive if it is not renewed, or if tenancy and safety information is not provided within 28 days. See updating and renewing your entry.

When does enforcement start?

The Housing Hub says each region has a three-month window to register, and councils will be able to begin enforcement after the deadline. See the deadline for your region.

What we do not know yet

• How councils will decide the amount of a penalty for registration offences
• Whether there will be a grace period or leniency for first-time late registration
• What counts as "serious" for the higher penalty

We will update this guide when official guidance answers these.

What to do

Find your region's deadline, gather your information early, and register through the official GOV.UK service. If you are worried about your position, take advice from a qualified professional. We are not a law firm and this is general information only.

More guides

• Who has to register on England's landlord register?
• How much does it cost to register as a landlord in England?
• When is the deadline to register your rental property?
• What you need to register a rental property in England