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How long does landlord registration last?
By the VoxaMTD team. Last verified 31 October 2026
In Scotland landlord registration lasts 3 years and must be renewed every 3 years. In Wales a completed landlord registration is valid for 5 years. England has no such register yet, but the PRS database is due to begin registering landlords from 15 December 2026.
In Scotland, you must register before you rent out a property unless an exemption applies, and co-owners must also register. Renting out a property without registration is a criminal offence. Adverts must show your registration number, or landlord registration pending if your application is still being processed. You register and renew online through the Scottish Landlord Register.
In Wales, the immediate landlord of a rental property must complete the registration personally. Landlords who let and manage the property themselves must also obtain a Rent Smart Wales licence and complete training as part of that application. Not registering is an offence. Rent Smart Wales has a public register where the validity of a registration can be checked. Diary the renewal dates, as lapsed registrations cause problems later.
Read next
- What is Scottish landlord register? →
- Landlord Compliance Checklist 2026 (UK) →
- Landlord compliance checker →
- Landlord compliance →
Sources
- MyGov.scot: Landlord registration
- Rent Smart Wales: Landlord Registration
- GOV.UK: Stronger protections and greater confidence for renters