Private landlords have been required to register with the local authority since 30th April 2006. Landlords currently letting property but who are not yet registered should contact the relevant local authority or authorities immediately.
Is a landlord committing an offence if he is letting before his registration has been approved?
No. Landlords should have submitted a valid application to the local authority in order to comply with the law. A valid application is one in which:
- the required information is provided;
- the information provided is accurate; and
- the correct fee is paid.
Landlords are only committing an offence if they have failed to apply, if they have submitted an invalid application, or if their application has been processed and refused. It is not an offence to let the property while the application is being considered by the local authority.
When will registration need to be renewed?
Registration will last for three years, starting from the date of approval (not the date of application)
Why does registration only last three years?
Any register needs to be updated periodically to make sure it is still accurate. Regular renewals make sure the local authority has an up-to-date picture of the private rented sector in its area.