Understanding England’s Rogue Landlord Database: A Guide for Renters

If you’re renting in England, concerns about landlord licensing, property safety, or previous landlord offences can impact your sense of security at home. The government created the Rogue Landlord Database to help address these concerns and protect the rights of tenants across the country. This guide demystifies what this database is, how it works, and how renters can use it to stay informed and proactive about their housing situation.

What Is the Rogue Landlord Database?

The Rogue Landlord Database is an official government record managed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). It lists landlords and letting agents in England who have committed serious housing offences or have received banning orders under the Housing and Planning Act 2016¹.

• Mandatory for local authorities to enter names of landlords and agents with banning orders
• Offences include illegal eviction, failure to comply with improvement notices, and multiple licensing breaches
• The aim is to help local councils collaborate to prevent repeat offending and better protect renters

While the database is not fully public at this time, local authorities and the central government use it to take enforcement action and limit the ability of rogue landlords to operate. Select details are available through the government’s guidance page and local council requests.

Who Gets Listed and What Offences Qualify?

Only landlords and letting agents convicted of serious offences or subject to a banning order are listed on the Rogue Landlord Database. Serious offences include:

• Unlawful eviction or harassment of tenants
• Failure to comply with improvement notices (for example, in cases of unsafe living conditions or damp and mould)
• Licensing offences for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
• Letting a property in breach of a banning order

For a full explanation of qualifying offences, visit the official government guidance.

How Can Renters Use the Database?

Currently, renters cannot directly access the full database. However, you can:

• Request information from your local council about whether a landlord is the subject of enforcement action
• Search recent cases through your local authority’s website or housing office
• Check the banned letting agents and landlords list for some current public listings

How to Report a Rogue Landlord or Agent

If you believe your landlord is operating illegally or in breach of their duties, you can file a complaint with your local council’s housing department. The process typically involves:

• Gathering evidence (photos, emails, letters) of the issue
• Filling in a complaint form—many councils provide an online reporting tool or downloadable form
• Submitting your complaint via the council’s official platform (report a private rented property issue)

Once submitted, your council may conduct an inspection and, if appropriate, begin enforcement procedures that could result in your landlord being added to the database.

Relevant Official Forms for Renters

• Complaint to Local Authority: Most councils use an online form (no national form number). Use this if you want to report a landlord for unsafe housing, illegal eviction, or disregard for licensing rules. Report tenancy issue (official government portal).
• Application for Rent Repayment Order (RRO): If your landlord has committed certain offences (like unlawful eviction), you may be eligible to claim back up to 12 months’ rent. This is handled by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - Residential Property. Find form and guidance.
  • Example: If your landlord was convicted of renting out an unlicensed HMO, you can apply for an RRO using the online guidance and forms.

Which Tribunal Handles Cases in England?

Disputes over housing offences, rent repayment orders, and enforcement are handled by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Residential Property.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation

The use, offences, and enforcement of the database are governed by the Housing and Planning Act 2016².

What Should Renters Do If Their Landlord Is Listed?

If you discover your landlord is subject to a banning order or listed for serious offences, you should:

• Contact your local council for guidance (find your local council)
• Keep a record of all issues, communications, and evidence
• Consider seeking advice or support from official tenant services (see below)

If you feel at risk or threatened, seek urgent help from your council’s housing team or call Shelter’s free helpline for confidential advice.

FAQ

1. Is my landlord on the Rogue Landlord Database?
   Currently, the full database is not public, but you can ask your local council to check if your landlord is listed for a serious offence or banning order.
2. What kind of offences lead to being on the database?
   Offences include illegal eviction, failure to fix hazards after a council notice, and renting out unlicensed property.
3. Can I take action if my landlord is listed?
   Yes. You may be eligible for a Rent Repayment Order or additional council enforcement. Apply to the First-tier Tribunal - Residential Property if you qualify.
4. What is a banning order?
   A banning order legally prevents a landlord or agent from letting or managing properties in England for at least 12 months due to serious housing offences.
5. Is the Rogue Landlord Database available in other parts of the UK?
   No, it applies only to England, though similar schemes or registers may exist in other nations of the UK.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• The Rogue Landlord Database helps councils identify and stop repeat offending landlords in England.
• If you suspect illegal landlord behaviour, report it to your local council using official forms for investigation.
• For serious offences affecting your home, claim support through national tribunals and tenancy services.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter England – free advice for private renters
• Report a private rented property issue (Gov.uk)
• Find your local council housing department
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Residential Property

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1. Housing and Planning Act 2016, Part 2, Chapter 3
2. Full text of the Housing and Planning Act 2016

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