An industry association has reported that landlords in England are being approached to participate in testing for a contentious new database.

The database is being developed as part of the Renters Rights Act.

In its commentary, the association notes that MHCLG (Ministry of Housing and Local Communities) has confirmed the system will not be implemented until later in the year, when it will be introduced regionally. Ahead of that rollout, landlords are being encouraged to enrol from mid-month and provide feedback to help shape the final design.

Testing has already begun with selected landlords in Birmingham, Gateshead and Nottingham.

The government is now seeking a diverse pool of volunteers: individual and joint landlords, overseas owners with English properties, and organisational landlords such as companies, trusts and charities.

Officials are also specifically interested in landlords who rely solely on letting agents, those who require assistance with digital platforms, and those who are unable to use digital services at all. Those interested can apply for testing the database by sending an email to PRSDatabase@communities.gov.uk with your name and landlord type to express interest.