Tenant groups are calling for the Government to expand the upcoming Private Rented Sector Database, arguing that it should give renters more information to challenge landlords and protect their rights.
Around 30 housing and campaign organisations, including Generation Rent, Shelter, Migrants Organise and the National Union of Students, have written to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook with a series of requests. The database is currently being tested ahead of its expected national rollout.
Campaigners Want More Rent Data
One of the main demands is for the database to record and publish information about actual rents paid by tenants, rather than relying only on advertised rental prices.
Campaigners argue that access to current and previous rents would give tenants stronger evidence when challenging rent increases they believe are above the market rate. They also say the information could help tribunals make better assessments when deciding whether a proposed increase is reasonable.
The groups believe the database could also give HMRC more information to compare declared rental income with actual rents. They claim this could help identify landlords who are avoiding tax, which they estimate costs the Treasury up to £1.7 billion a year.
Calls for Landlord Eviction Records
The organisations are also calling for landlords to record evictions on the database, including the reason for using a particular possession ground.
They argue that this would make it easier for tenants and authorities to check whether landlords are complying with the new rules under the Renters’ Rights Act.
For example, where a landlord uses a possession ground to sell a property, campaigners want records to make it easier to establish whether the property was actually sold and whether the 12-month restriction on re-letting has been followed.
They have suggested that landlords could submit possession notices directly through their database accounts to make the process simpler.
The groups also want the database to include information about formal enforcement action taken against landlords. They argue that making this information available would help renters make more informed decisions before entering a tenancy.
Accessibility Information Also Proposed
Another proposal is for the database to include information about accessibility features in rental properties.
Campaigners say this could help older and disabled tenants identify suitable properties before arranging viewings, making the process of finding a home easier.
They believe the wider availability of landlord, property and tenancy information would make the database more useful for renters, local authorities and researchers.
£46 Annual Fee Proposed
The organisations are also asking the Government to set the annual database registration fee at a minimum of £46 per property.
They want the money raised through these fees to be ring-fenced for local authority enforcement. Their argument is that councils will need reliable funding to investigate breaches and enforce the new responsibilities created by the Renters’ Rights Act.
The groups say a predictable source of funding would allow councils to employ staff, carry out investigations and take action against landlords who break the rules.
Government Faces Pressure Ahead of Rollout
The campaigners are urging the Government to move quickly with the national launch of the database and ensure that it is publicly accessible.
They argue that the success of the Renters’ Rights Act will depend partly on how effectively the database works, particularly when it comes to transparency and enforcement.
For landlords, the proposed changes could mean greater scrutiny over rents, possession activity, tax reporting and previous enforcement action.
The Government is yet to confirm whether all of the campaigners’ proposals will be included in the final database. However, with testing already taking place, the groups are pushing for wider data collection before the system is fully introduced.
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