The government has pledged to reduce duplicate data entry in the PRS Database after early testing by landlords, while continuing to review how it will operate alongside selective licensing schemes.

About 300 landlords are part of a trial before the scheduled launch later this year and the government says this has shown that most can successfully register a property, upload documents and complete the process quickly, with guidance generally viewed as clear and easy to follow.

It also found that the strongest areas for improvement relate to document readiness, certificate date requirements, duplication of information and helping users better understand why certain information is being collected.

A MHCLG spokesman tells LandlordZONE: “As a result, the team is prioritising improvements to guidance, content and user journeys, including making document requirements clearer upfront, addressing confusion around certificate dates, improving transparency about data collection and exploring opportunities to reduce duplicate data entry where possible.

Continue

“We will continue to review the use of selective licensing and the Database alongside each other as we roll out the new service, refining the way the two systems work together as appropriate.”

Portsmouth landlord Simon Davidson has been testing the prototype system and reports that it is simple, intuitive, and surprisingly quick to use. He reckons even landlords with varied portfolios, mixed management arrangements, or multiple agents can set up each property in five or ten minutes.

Early indications suggest the system is designed to minimise friction rather than create new bureaucracy, says Davidson. “At present they are asking for a name, address, email and a contact number as well as a Gas Safe certificate if applicable, EICR certificate, if the property is an HMO or not, how many bedrooms, the whole month rent (not by bedroom) or how often you collect rent. Each property will be given a unique reference number.”

Access

MHCLG says the Database operator and local councils will have full access to the data gathered. The spokesman adds: “In the future, some data may be shared with a small number of further authorities to support the exercise of their statutory functions, for example the police. Future secondary legislation will set out which data will be shared with any further organisations.”

It’s hoped that the Database will provide a complete picture of who is renting what, and where, reduce the prevalence of rogue landlords - as tenants will be able to verify that their landlord is registered and compliant - and help councils target enforcement.

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