Landlords in several London boroughs face increased scrutiny and higher compliance costs as councils push for stricter licensing schemes and amenity standards. The latest proposals from the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Ealing Council, and Hertsmere Borough Council follow similar moves by other authorities, including Slough's recent introduction of a licensing scheme covering 17,000 properties.
In Greenwich, the council aims to expand its selective licensing scheme from five wards to as many as 18, bringing around 70% of private rental properties under the licensing requirement. Since January 2025, inspectors have visited 622 licensed properties and addressed over 2,100 hazards, including issues with damp, mould, and fire safety. Councillor Joshua Ayodele claims that while most landlords provide good quality homes, a proportion of properties in the proposed areas are poorly maintained.
Ealing Council is consulting on extending its additional licensing scheme for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The current scheme expires on 31 March 2027 and would be extended by five years to 2032 if approved. Inspectors found nearly 4,900 hazards in over 900 HMOs between 2023 and 2025, with two-thirds requiring attention. Councillor Louise Brett highlighted the need for improved standards in shared housing, citing links between HMO properties and around 3,649 antisocial behaviour incidents.
Hertsmere Borough Council is proposing new amenity standards for HMOs, including requirements for bedroom sizes, kitchens, bathrooms, communal spaces, storage, and refuse arrangements. Landlords would also be expected to ensure fire and gas safety precautions meet national standards and maintain gardens properly. Quarterly inspections of HMOs are planned once the standards are implemented.
These consultations reflect a growing trend among councils seeking greater control over the private rented sector, driven by concerns about property maintenance and resident welfare.