A trade association has raised concerns that a planned database of private rented properties may be of limited use to tenants unless it contains substantial information.

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This caution comes in response to the Renters Rights Bill, which aims to create a comprehensive registry of all private rented properties and landlords in England.

Although ministers promise that the database will provide significant benefits to tenants, they have yet to clarify what specific details will be included.

The trade association believes that responsible landlords should have the ability to show they are meeting all their obligations. Simultaneously, tenants should have the means to identify properties and landlords that meet required standards.

It recommends that, at the very least, gas and electricity safety certificates should be fully digitised to allow for seamless uploads to the database which should be accompanied by the already digitised Energy Performance Certificates.

The database should also require a signed declaration from landlords, confirming that their properties comply with the upcoming decent homes standard for the sector.

Without this crucial information, the database will fall short in assisting tenants to assess the safety and security of properties. This shortfall will ultimately defeat the database's primary objective.

A spokesperson for the trade association  says: “The database of private rented properties must go beyond a basic directory. It needs to provide tenants with clear, meaningful information designed to empower informed decisions on their next home. This will help tenants identify the vast majority of homes that are safe, secure and well-managed by responsible landlords.