A timely reminder for rural landlords as the PRS database approaches
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The new national register catches old farm cottages and agricultural tenancies just as surely as a traditional lets, and the East of England window opens sooner than you may think.
Following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 earlier this year, much of the discussion has focused on the impact of the changes introduced on conventional private lettings.
The new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database however covers all residential lettings, and rural estates and farms should be aware that older or agricultural forms of residential tenancy are no longer outside the scope of important changes.
Crucially for rural landlords, the requirements apply to all residential tenancies within the relevant statutory definitions, including Rent Act tenancies and Rent Agriculture Act tenancies, both of which are commonly encountered on rural estates and farms.
Registration will involve more than simply providing a landlord’s name and property address. Landlords will need to provide prescribed information about themselves, their properties and how those properties are managed, together with supporting documentation where applicable.
This includes a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), gas safety certification where relevant and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). An annual registration fee will also apply, with the amount yet to be confirmed.
For rural estates, preparing this information may be a useful opportunity to review the residential property portfolio as a whole. Farms and estates often contain cottages, farmhouses and converted agricultural buildings of varying ages, with some properties having been part of the estate for many years.
As a result, bringing records together may highlight areas that need attention. Older properties, for example, may have electrical installations or heating systems that require review, while establishing the appropriate EPC position can sometimes be more complicated where buildings have unusual construction or historic features.
A systematic audit should make the registration process considerably more straightforward. It can also provide an opportunity to identify historic tenancy arrangements, check that property records are complete and ensure that certificates have not expired.
For landlords in the East of England, the mandatory registration period runs from 15 January to 14 April 2027. Although this may seem some way off, reviewing a larger rural portfolio and gathering historic records can take time.
There is therefore value in starting the process early. In particular checking that EPCs, gas safety records, EICRs and other relevant documentation are current will help ensure the necessary information is available when registration opens.
As with so many aspects of rural property management, good records and a little forward planning can save considerable time and expense – and there are few farms or estates that would not welcome those savings at present.
Charlotte Hayward is an associate at Arnolds Keys – Irelands Agricultural.
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