Croydon Council is consulting on plans to introduce selective licensing across 14 wards that would require thousands of private landlords and their letting agents to obtain licences for properties.

A third of the borough’s housing stock is privately rented, which is significantly higher than the 19% national average and it is expected to continue rising.

Licensing schemes like we are proposing allow the Council to be more proactive when it comes to the private rented market and not just be reliant on tenants complaining about issues.”

Executive Mayor Jason Perry (pictured) says: “It’s important that we as a Council do what we can to make sure all residents live in good quality homes. Licensing schemes like we are proposing allow the Council to be more proactive when it comes to the private rented market and not just be reliant on tenants complaining about issues.”

The consultation will run until 12 January and covers two proposed schemes. The selective licensing scheme would require private landlords in the 14 wards to hold a Croydon property licence and meet requirements including fire safety evidence, fit-for-purpose properties and proper tenancy agreements. Conditions would include proactive inspections of properties.

The council is also proposing an additional HMO scheme that would extend the national mandatory scheme for large HMOs to include smaller shared houses.

taking action against bad tenants

Perry adds that licensing can benefit landlords by providing council support to deal with difficult situations and take action against bad tenants.

The council has appointed independent research agency M·E·L Research to run the consultation process, and if it is then approved by the Cabinet next year, the schemes could be operational by mid-2026.

The proposals follow a growing trend in the capital, with around 17 London boroughs now operating selective licensing schemes.