Slough's landlord licensing proposals have sparked concerns among private landlords as the borough council pushes ahead with plans to regulate nearly 17,000 privately let properties in the area. Under the new measures, landlords would face increased fees and stricter requirements to ensure their homes are safe, secure, and habitable for tenants.
The proposed selective licensing scheme targets small HMOs – typically occupied by three or four unrelated individuals sharing facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom – that currently fall outside mandatory licensing. The additional licensing scheme aims to cover almost 17,000 privately let properties across the area, with Councillor Zafar Satti citing the need for stronger regulations in both sectors.
Building on previous initiatives, including a borough-wide additional licensing scheme and selective licensing in specific wards from 2019-2024, the council seeks to further improve housing conditions. The data suggests a pressing need for intervention: nearly a quarter of predicted HMOs are thought to pose serious hazards, with these properties also dominating anti-social behaviour complaints.
Should the schemes be implemented, landlords would face annual licence fees, which could run up to five years, and would be required to adhere to stricter requirements. The public consultation began on 15 July and will conclude on 23 September 2026, as Slough Borough Council seeks residents' input on its proposals.
Relevant statistics include: approximately 2,024 HMOs in the borough, with an estimated 22.3% predicted to contain serious hazards; between 2020-25, 153 out of 369 private rented sector enforcement notices issued by the authority were related to HMOs, highlighting their disproportionately high impact on anti-social behaviour and planning issues.