An 'army' of tenants should be pressed into action to enforce the new landlord database rules under the Renters' Rights Bill - with a rent refund reward for errant landlords.
That's the call from campaign group Generation Rent, which is also pressing for more personal details of landlords to be publicly available.
It warns that without stronger incentives, such as automatic rent repayment orders for non-compliant landlords, many unscrupulous property owners could evade the new regulations.
And that, it claims, will undermine the Bill's promised tenant protections.
Tenants can claim rent refunds
A spokesperson said: "We're concerned that thousands of criminal landlords will dodge the government's new rules unless it is made easier for tenants to claim rent refunds for reporting them.
"Relying on cash-strapped councils to enforce the new database will weaken tenants' incentive to check if their own landlord has an active profile, leading to higher levels of non-compliance by landlords."
They added: "We are calling on the government to amend the Renters' Rights Bill to make landlords liable for a Rent Repayment Order as soon as they fail to register on the database.
"The new private rented sector database should give tenants far more information about the property they plan to rent and the person they plan to rent from, helping them make informed decisions."
Information on the landlord database
In addition to database enforcement, the organisation is demanding that specific data be included in the landlord database to maximise its value.
Generation Rent says that essential details should include landlord and letting agent contact information, a history of eviction notices, actual rents charged and records of past enforcement actions against landlords.
These actions would include illegal evictions or failure to license properties.
It also wants safety documents like Gas and electrical safety certificates and Energy Performance Certificates to be added.
Plus, proof of tenancy deposit protection and details of previous deposit disputes won by tenants would be available.
Accessibility features for disabled renters should also be listed to help when choosing a rented property.
Information landlords must provide
The spokesperson said: "The key to the success of the database lies in the level of information landlords are required to provide.
"Without the right information, it risks falling short of meaningfully being useful to renters and councils.
"Private renters are also crying out for more information to help them make better decisions when looking for their new home."
They added: "We will be working to make sure that the database is as powerful and as useful for renters in England as possible.”
Strain landlord-tenant relationships
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "The introduction of the national landlord database under the Renters' Rights Bill presents both opportunities and challenges for student landlords.
"While the system aims to enhance transparency and empower tenants, it also introduces potential pitfalls.
"For student landlords, managing a high turnover of tech-savvy tenants increases the risk of oversight, as students are likely to be proactive in checking the database."
He added: "The reliance on tenants to enforce compliance might strain landlord-tenant relationships, especially if disputes arise over minor errors."
"To avoid these pitfalls, student landlords must prioritise compliance, maintain meticulous records and engage proactively with the database to safeguard their businesses and foster trust with tenants."
