The government is exploring whether organisations such as HMRC and local authorities should be allowed to access information collected through the new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed the review in response to a written parliamentary question. He said the government is weighing up the advantages and potential risks of sharing landlord registration data with other agencies.
The announcement follows confirmation that information submitted by landlords to the PRS Database will remain private and unavailable to the public until 2027.
Access to landlord information
Conservative MP Andrew Snowden asked the government how information would be shared between the landlord registration service, councils and HM Revenue and Customs.
In his response, Mr Pennycook explained that ministers are looking at how different organisations could access relevant information to help them carry out their legal responsibilities.
He said the government would consider the benefits and risks of sharing individual types of data. Any arrangements would need to be proportionate and comply with data protection requirements while respecting landlords’ privacy rights.
Further details will be included in future legislation, which is expected to be announced once the initial rollout of the registration service has been completed.
However, local authorities will be given access to the full range of information held on the database to support their enforcement responsibilities.
Landlords’ data and privacy concerns
The potential sharing of information is likely to raise further questions about how landlords’ personal and property details will be protected.
Under the PRS Database scheme, landlords will have to submit information about their rental properties. This includes property addresses, the number of bedrooms and occupants, as well as copies of relevant gas safety, electrical safety and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) documents.
The government has previously said that all information will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation. However, further details about how the data will be used and shared are still expected.
For landlords, the key question is which organisations will eventually be able to access their information and how the government will ensure that it is used appropriately.
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