The Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman
Last checked 28 September 2026
An independent guide, not the government's register and not legal advice. Last checked against the sources listed at the end of the page.
The Renters' Rights Act brings in two new duties for landlords: registering on the PRS Database, and joining a landlord ombudsman (a "landlord redress scheme" in the Act). They're separate, with separate fees, and arrive at different times.
What it is
An ombudsman that private tenants can complain to about their landlord. The government says it will offer fair, impartial and binding resolution, with powers to make landlords apologise, provide information, take remedial action and/or pay compensation.
Who must join, and when
- All private landlords in England with assured or regulated tenancies will be required by law to join.
- The government's roadmap says it will choose a scheme administrator at least 12 to 18 months before landlords must join, and expects membership to become compulsory in 2028. There is no firm date yet.
- When we last checked, we found no announcement naming the administrator.
What it costs
Landlords will fund it through what the government calls a fair and proportionate charging model, to be confirmed closer to launch. It's a separate cost from the £65 database fee.
Penalties
Councils will be able to act against landlords who don't join: civil penalties of up to £7,000, and up to £40,000 or prosecution for repeat breaches. A continuing breach of the duty to join is also on the list of offences for which a rent repayment order can be made.
Database and ombudsman side by side
| PRS Database | Landlord Ombudsman | |
|---|---|---|
| What | Register of landlords and let properties | Complaints service for tenants |
| Starts | From 15 December 2026, by region | Membership expected 2028 |
| Cost | £65 per property per year | Not yet announced |
| Enforced by | Councils | Councils |
| Maximum civil penalty | £7,000; £40,000 for offences | £7,000; £40,000 for repeat breaches |
Sources
- GOV.UK: Implementing the Renters' Rights Act 2025, our roadmap (13 November 2025)
- GOV.UK: Guide to the Renters' Rights Act
- Renters' Rights Act 2025 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Renters' Rights Act 2025, section 98 (rent repayment orders)
- Inside Housing: Private landlords must pay to sign up to national register from December (10 September 2026)
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change: check GOV.UK, and get legal advice for your own situation.