Own a London rental property while living overseas? England's new rental property register now has a confirmed regional timetable. London landlords are due to register between 15 July and 14 October 2027, but organising property and safety records now can prevent a rushed search later. Pacific Estates can help managed landlords review the information held for their property.
What has been confirmed?
The UK Government's official Housing Hub says the "Register your rental property" service will begin its regional rollout on 15 December 2026, starting in the West Midlands. The London registration period is scheduled to run from 15 July 2027 until 14 October 2027.
The duty applies to landlords of assured or regulated tenancies. Registration is based on the rental property's location, not the landlord's home address. That distinction matters to overseas owners and landlords with properties in more than one region.
The published annual fee is £65 per property, with registration renewed each year. The Government says landlords who fail to register when required risk a fine.
For now, properties must be registered if they are already let or become let during the relevant rollout period. A later phase is expected to cover vacant properties before they are marketed, with further guidance promised before that requirement takes effect.
What information should a London landlord gather?
The official guidance lists property, tenancy and safety information. A practical file should include:
- the rental property's full address, ownership type, dwelling type and number of bedrooms;
- landlord contact details and an address for correspondence in England and Wales;
- the managing agent or property manager's name and email address;
- the number of occupants and households;
- details of any HMO, additional or selective licence that applies;
- whether the property is furnished, partly furnished or unfurnished;
- the rent, payment frequency and any utilities included;
- the current gas safety record, where the property has gas;
- the current EICR or relevant electrical installation certificate; and
- the most recent EPC and any relevant registered MEES exemption.
This is a preparation checklist, not a substitute for checking which requirements apply to a particular property.
What changes for an overseas landlord?
An overseas landlord will need a GOV.UK One Login and must start the registration process personally. The official guidance says an agent or property manager will be able to upload certain information on the landlord's behalf, but the Government has not yet published the detailed agent process.
That means the sensible task today is record checking. Confirm that the certificates, licence details, tenancy information and contact records held for the property are current and easy to retrieve.
If documents are spread across emails, contractor messages and different portals, bring them into one property file. Record expiry dates so renewals can be planned before the London registration window opens.
How Pacific Estates can help
Pacific Estates provides lettings and property-management services from Canary Wharf. Depending on the agreed service, this can include rent collection, inspections, inventories, maintenance coordination and support with property safety requirements.
For overseas owners, having a local managing contact can make it easier to keep certificates and property information organised while responding to day-to-day tenant and maintenance matters.
If you own or invest in rental property in Canary Wharf or East London and want to discuss management support, contact Pacific Estates, call 020 7177 7888 or email office@peukl.com.
Frequently asked questions
Do London landlords need to register now?
Registration is not required yet. The confirmed London registration period is 15 July to 14 October 2027. The service starts regionally on 15 December 2026 in the West Midlands.
Can my letting agent complete everything?
The landlord must start the process. The Government says agents or property managers will be able to upload some information, with detailed guidance still to come.
Should an empty London property be registered?
The first rollout phase covers properties already let or becoming let during the rollout. The Government says a future phase will require vacant properties to be registered before marketing, but further guidance will be issued first.
Where can I check the official details?
Read the Government's Register your rental property guidance and monitor it for updates before taking action.
Source checked on 17 October 2026: UK Government Housing Hub.
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