Tenant advocacy group Generation Rent is calling for the new Private Rented Sector (PRS) database, introduced under the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, to go further in its scope by recording past Section 8 eviction notices and actual rents charged by landlords.

What’s Proposed for the Database?

Under the Renters’ Rights Bill:

• All landlords must register on the new PRS database.

• It will hold key details about rental properties, accessible by tenants.

• Letting or advertising without registration can lead to a £7,000 civil penalty or a £40,000 fine for fraudulent information.

Generation Rent’s Additional Demands

Generation Rent is lobbying for the inclusion of:

1. Section 8 Eviction Notice History

   • Especially Ground 1 (landlord or family moving in) and Ground 1A (intention to sell).

   • Claimed to be “exploitable loopholes” allowing landlords to evict tenants in order to raise rent, without clear enforcement mechanisms for the ‘no-let’ periods required by law.

2. Actual Rent Amounts Charged

   • To help tribunals assess fair rents, rather than relying on advertised rents, which are often higher than agreed rents.

   • Would increase transparency and tenant confidence in rent tribunal processes.

3. Enforcement History

   • Including fines or sanctions for:

     • Letting unlicensed properties

     • Renting overcrowded homes

     • Other regulatory breaches

4. Accessibility Features

   • Listing homes with disabled access and adaptations to assist disabled renters in finding suitable accommodation.

Implications for Landlords

If adopted, these changes would:

• Introduce greater scrutiny of eviction practices.

• Make it easier for tenants (and enforcement bodies) to track landlords’ past behaviour.

• Potentially expose landlords to reputational risk based on previously lawful actions, like serving a Section 8 notice.

This raises questions about data fairness, context, and proportionality — especially in cases where a notice was served but no eviction occurred.

Balance Needed?

While these proposals may increase transparency, landlord groups may argue they:

• Could discourage fair use of legitimate eviction grounds.

• Create a “naming and shaming” culture without room for nuance.

• Risk data protection and reputational issues, especially where no wrongdoing has been proven.

Landlord Action Point:
Stay alert to the development of the PRS database rules. If you serve Section 8 notices, document your legal grounds clearly and maintain compliance records.