New licensing scheme proposed for private rented property
- Consultation for extended licensing scheme with aim of providing better homes for tenants
- Landlords and tenants to be consulted on new scheme
- New targeted scheme in three wards where all rental properties will require a licence
A consultation on a new licensing scheme which aims to provide better homes for tenants in the private rented sector has been launched.
The consultation will look at extending the current house in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing scheme across Reading, as well as introducing a targeted scheme to three specific wards which will cover all rental properties in the private rented sector.
The implementation of an additional HMO licensing scheme borough-wide, alongside the phased implementation of a selective licensing system, aims to drive up conditions for tenants and improve the housing stock.
Reading Borough Council currently operates the national mandatory licensing scheme for larger houses in multiple occupations (HMOs) with five or more occupants. In Reading there are currently more than 1,400 HMOs licensed under the current mandatory scheme.
Discretionary licensing under the Housing Act 2004 is a tool which the council can use to improve conditions and management in the private rented sector. The scheme the council is consulting on proposes extending HMO licensing to HMOs with three or four occupants.
The scheme will also require all rented properties to have a licence, including those let to a single person or family, in three wards – Battle, Redlands and Park. These wards have been selected due to the high number of rental properties in these areas which are predicted to have serious health or safety issues.
James Crosbie, Assistant Director for Planning, Transport and Public Protection, said:
“We want to hear from tenants and landlords about our proposals and whether this will help drive change and provide better homes for our residents. National evidence shows that good homes have positive impacts on physical and mental health and for families and better educational outcomes.
“We want to ensure that all our private rented sector is safe for tenants. The proposed scheme will help with that aim, as we widen the area of inspection in terms of housing which will go beyond the mandatory scheme.
“We are asking tenants, landlords and any other interested parties for their feedback on the scheme and how it could be implemented. We will then assess their views. If we go ahead with the proposed plan, we will be looking at implementing the scheme in a phased approach from Spring 2025.
“These schemes will help make homes safer and provide better quality homes for those who are renting.”
The consultation launched on 6 June 2024 and will run for 12 weeks. You can get involved by visiting www.reading.gov.uk/housing/private-renting.
Drop-in sessions are being held as well:
Battle Library – 18 June – 9.30am – 12.30pm
South Reading Community Hub – 16 July – 12.30pm – 4pm.
ENDS