Slough Borough Council's ambitious plan to license 17,000 rental properties in the borough is set to spark heated debate among landlords and property investors. The proposals, one of the largest of its kind in the South East, aim to bring all rental accommodations under a licensing requirement, expanding local authority oversight of the private rented sector.
Under the proposed schemes, landlords would be required to obtain a licence for their properties, incurring a fee of £950 for a five-year House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence and £750 for a selective licence covering other rental properties. This move would effectively extend licensing requirements beyond current rules which only mandate licences for larger HMOs.
Councillor Zafar Satti, lead member for public protection and regulatory services, believes the measures will "put in place measures to protect residents and communities" by raising property standards and making homes more desirable. This initiative follows a broader trend seen across England and Scotland where local authorities are adopting licensing schemes to tackle housing quality and management issues.
For landlords managing multiple properties, the recurring licensing fees could become a substantial operational cost, potentially influencing the financial viability of buy-to-let investments in Slough. The council has shifted its strategy from enforcement and landlord accreditation to comprehensive licensing, particularly for HMOs.
The public consultation period is set to conclude on 23 September 2026, after which the findings will be presented to Slough’s Cabinet for a decision on whether to proceed with one or both of the proposed schemes. If approved, the five-year programmes would introduce new operational costs for landlords and property investors in the area.
The council has made the consultation document available on its website, encouraging all relevant stakeholders to submit their feedback before the deadline.