Private landlords across Reading and beyond are facing one of the most significant shifts in regulation the sector has seen in years. The upcoming Renters’ Rights Act Property Portal is set to change how properties are registered, monitored and managed, with far-reaching implications for those who let homes.
At Martin & Co Reading, we understand that compliance can be a challenge – particularly for busy landlords or investors managing multiple properties. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you understand what the Property Portal is, why it matters, and how to stay fully compliant with the new rules coming into force.
Here’s everything you need to know to protect your income, safeguard your property and stay on the right side of the law.
What is the Property Portal and how will it work?
The Property Portal is one of the core components of the Renters’ Rights Act. It will act as a centralised digital platform where landlords must register their rental properties and provide proof of compliance with key legal standards.
Designed to work like the DVLA for rental homes, the portal will hold a database of every private rental property in England. It will also include:
- Landlord contact and registration details
- Uploads of safety certificates and legal documents
- Links for local councils to investigate non-compliance
- Public-facing information for tenants to verify landlord legitimacy
For landlords in Reading and across Berkshire, this means that letting a property will no longer be a private matter. Your compliance status will be visible to tenants and enforcement authorities alike.
The Government has confirmed that the portal will be mandatory once launched, with potential penalties for failure to register or maintain accurate records.
Why the landlord register matters now more than ever
At the heart of the portal is a landlord register. While some councils currently require selective licensing, the new system will apply nationally. All landlords, regardless of property type or location, will need to register.
Why does this matter?
- Transparency: Tenants will check if their landlord is listed before signing agreements
- Accountability: Local authorities will use the register to monitor safety and legal compliance
- Enforcement: Penalties may apply to landlords who let properties without valid registration
- Legal consequences: You may lose the ability to serve Section 21 notices or regain possession of your property if you’re not registered
This shift makes registration and compliance a non-negotiable part of managing a rental home. Informal arrangements or missed certificates could soon lead to formal consequences.
Understanding your landlord responsibilities in 2025 and beyond
As the new rules under the Renters’ Rights Act approach, landlords must ensure their properties meet the minimum legal standards. These form the foundation of compliance under the Property Portal.
Key landlord responsibilities for 2025 and the documents you’ll need to provide:
Gas Safety Certificate
- Required annually for properties with gas appliances
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Mandatory every 5 years
- Must be carried out by a qualified electrician
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Minimum rating of E currently required
- Likely to increase to C for new tenancies from 2025/2026
Deposit Protection Scheme details
- Must be registered within 30 days of receipt
- Prescribed information must be issued to tenants
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Must be installed and tested at the start of each tenancy
Right to Rent checks
- Legal requirement to check immigration status of all adult tenants
Failing to hold or update any of these documents could result in legal action, fines, or restrictions on your ability to manage tenancies. With the Property Portal making it easier for authorities to identify issues, now is the time to ensure everything is in order.
How the Property Portal could expose non-compliant landlords
Until now, many landlords have operated without full visibility from local authorities. The Property Portal changes that by giving councils a single platform to identify non-compliance and take enforcement action quickly.
If your property is missing documentation, you could face:
- Fines and financial penalties for non-registration
- Invalid possession notices (including the inability to serve a valid Section 21)
- Tenant disputes and loss of trust
- Insurance issues if your policy requires compliance evidence
For self-managing landlords or those using basic letting services, it’s easy to overlook key renewal dates or document uploads. The new system will highlight these gaps instantly.
That’s why it’s essential to move from reactive compliance to proactive management. Partnering with a professional agent ensures your property is always legally let and up to standard.
How Martin & Co Reading helps landlords stay compliant with ease
At Martin & Co Reading, we don’t just let properties – we manage them with complete legal oversight. Our experienced team takes the stress out of compliance by keeping you ahead of every rule change and deadline.
Here’s how we help:
1. Document management and renewals
We track expiry dates for your EPC, Gas Safety Certificate and EICR and arrange inspections well in advance. You’ll never miss a deadline or risk a fine.
2. Deposit registration and paperwork
We handle deposit protection with government-approved schemes and ensure tenants receive the correct legal documentation.
3. Full compliance for new tenancies
From Right to Rent checks to alarm testing and inventory provision, every tenancy starts in line with current legal standards.
4. Digital records for the Property Portal
Once the portal goes live, we’ll upload and maintain your property details so you remain visible, compliant and protected.
5. Advice and legislative updates
We keep our landlords informed of new laws and help plan for changes such as EPC requirements and Renters’ Rights Act developments.
Choosing Martin & Co Reading means you don’t have to worry about shifting legislation. We do the work behind the scenes to protect your investment.
Checklist: What to do now to prepare for the Property Portal
The Renters’ Rights Act is progressing through Parliament, and while the exact launch date for the Property Portal hasn’t been confirmed, it’s expected to go live within the next 12 months.
Use this checklist to prepare:
- Review your EPC rating – if it’s below C, start planning upgrades
- Ensure you have valid Gas Safety and EICR certificates
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and tested
- Confirm deposit protection for all current tenancies
- Make sure Right to Rent and referencing records are up to date
- Digitise key documents for easy upload when the portal opens
If any of the above is unclear or overdue, now is the time to act. Martin & Co Reading can carry out a full compliance audit and provide a clear action plan.
Why Reading landlords need to act now
Reading is a popular rental hub with high tenant demand from London commuters, students and relocating professionals. As tenants become more informed, landlords are increasingly expected to demonstrate professionalism and compliance.
To attract and retain quality tenants, it’s no longer enough to simply price competitively. Being able to show that your property is legally let and professionally managed will be a key differentiator.
Being ready for the Property Portal isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about:
- Maintaining uninterrupted rental income
- Avoiding last-minute legal costs or emergency upgrades
- Improving your property’s marketability
- Protecting your reputation as a responsible landlord in Reading
Final thoughts
The Renters’ Rights Act Property Portal is not just another regulatory update – it represents a new era of transparency and enforcement in the rental sector.
For landlords in Reading, it brings both challenges and opportunities. Those who prepare early can protect their income, reduce risk and stand out in a competitive market.
With Martin & Co Reading by your side, you can navigate these changes with confidence. We manage the details so you don’t have to – keeping your property compliant, your tenants happy and your returns on track.
Need help preparing for the Property Portal?
Book your free property valuation or talk to our team today about compliance support and full property management.
