Four London councils plan or expand Selective Licensing schemes

Four London councils, plus one in Hertfordshire, are to expand or consult residents on implementing selective licensing schemes.

In Islington, the borough’s selective licensing scheme will be extended to seven new wards, bringing thousands more rented homes under regulation.

The scheme currently applies to Finsbury Park, Hillrise and Tollington but will soon include Barnsbury, Caledonian, Tufnell Park, Mildmay, Highbury, Junction and Laycock.

The council’s additional HMO licensing scheme, which covers homes shared by three or four unrelated tenants, will also be renewed until 2031.

Coun John Woolf, the council’s executive member for homes and neighbourhoods, said: “We’ve listened to residents, landlords and housing campaigners and we’re taking action.

“While many landlords in Islington act responsibly and maintain their properties well, we continue to hear from hundreds of renters who feel unsafe and unheard, while their rents keep rising.

“This new scheme is about giving renters the protection they need, and the quality housing they deserve.”

Croydon starts a licensing consultation

In Croydon, a 12-week public consultation is underway on two new licensing schemes designed to improve housing standards and support good landlords.

The first proposal is a selective licensing scheme covering 14 wards where property conditions are considered poor.

If approved, landlords would be required to apply for a Croydon property licence and meet safety, management and tenancy standards.

The second proposal extends HMO licensing to smaller shared homes, targeting poor management and unsafe conditions.

Its executive mayor, Jason Perry, said: “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.

“Licensing can also be beneficial for landlords who will get support from the council to deal with difficult situations and take action against bad tenants.”

Westminster’s scheme starts soon

Westminster City Council has announced that it will introduce a wide-ranging selective licensing scheme on 24 November 2025, covering 15 of its 18 wards.

The council said the move is part of a broader effort to tackle poor housing conditions, anti-social behaviour and unfair treatment of tenants.

Councillor Ellie Ormsby, the cabinet member for regeneration and renter, said: “This scheme will help us raise standards in the private rented sector, crack down on rogue landlords and ensure tenants are treated fairly.

“We’re working closely with landlords to support compliance and make the process as smooth as possible.”

Enfield begins consultation

Enfield Council has also launched a 12-week consultation on its proposed selective licensing scheme, which would expand the existing coverage from 14 to 17 wards for a five-year period starting in September 2026.

The consultation invites feedback from tenants, landlords, agents, residents and local businesses through a detailed questionnaire and online meetings in November.

The cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, Coun Susan Erbil, said: “The current selective licensing scheme is due to end in August next year, so it is important the council holds a public consultation to hear from a wide range of people as possible.

“We would like to hear the views of all residents, businesses, and landlords, so I would urge you to provide your views and feedback.”

The current Enfield scheme, which has been credited with improving housing conditions and reducing anti-social behaviour, will expire in August 2026.

Three Rivers targets small HMOs

Meanwhile, Three Rivers District Council in Hertfordshire is exploring options to introduce licensing for smaller HMOs, that’s those with fewer than five occupants.

It may also adopt an Article 4 Direction to restrict further conversions of homes into shared accommodation without planning permission.

Coun Steve Drury, the lead member for community engagement, said: “The safety of our residents are paramount, and while HMOs provide an affordable and flexible option for tenants, clearly improved transparency on HMOs and licences are needed in order to alleviate concerns residents may have.

“We will continue to strengthen our partnership working with the police, residents and landlords to reduce concerns, such as anti-social behaviour, for effective enforcement and intelligence gathering to protect tenants and residents.”

The council is also considering publishing pending HMO licence applications to improve transparency and working more closely with the police and local communities to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Recommendations on the additional licensing and Article 4 proposals are due before the Policy and Resources Committee in January 2026.