Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by PropertyWire. Read the original article for full details.

Slough Council Consults on Licensing Scheme for 17,000 Rental Properties

Slough Borough Council has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce licensing schemes covering approximately 17,000 rental properties in the town. The proposed measures would require landlords to pay £950 per property for a five-year HMO (house in multiple occupation) licence and £750 for a selective licence for other rental properties.

Currently, only larger HMOs in Slough require licensing. The new proposals would extend regulation to smaller HMOs and all non-HMO rental properties, significantly expanding oversight in the private rental sector. If implemented, the schemes would bring all rental properties in the borough under licensing requirements, regardless of property type.

The council has stated that the objectives of the proposed schemes are to improve housing conditions, raise property management standards, reduce overcrowding, increase professionalism among landlords and letting agents, inform tenants of their rights, and reduce anti-social behaviour. Previously, the council relied on enforcement and landlord accreditation to achieve these aims, but now considers licensing a more effective approach, particularly for HMOs.

The consultation period will run for 10 weeks, ending on 23 September. After the consultation, findings will be presented to Slough’s Cabinet for a decision on whether to implement one or both schemes. If approved, the licensing programmes would operate for five years, though a start date has not been confirmed.

For landlords and property investors, the proposed licensing fees represent a recurring cost, especially for those with multiple properties. The council has not indicated what level of support or opposition it expects from landlords or letting agents.

The consultation document is available on the council’s website, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback before the September deadline.