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

Slough Proposes Borough-Wide Licensing for All Rental Properties

Slough Council has announced plans to introduce both additional HMO and selective licensing schemes that would cover approximately 17,000 properties in the borough. The council has opened a 10-week consultation on the proposals, which would require all landlords and letting agents to obtain licences for both smaller HMOs and all other non-HMO rented properties.

Currently, only larger HMOs in Slough require a licence. Under the new proposals, all rental properties—regardless of type—would need to be licensed. The proposed fees are £950 per property for a five-year HMO licence and £750 for a selective licence.

The council states that the aim of the new schemes is 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. Slough Council had previously hoped that increased enforcement and landlord accreditation would achieve these goals, but now believes licensing will be more effective, especially for HMOs.

A full report on the consultation findings will be presented to Slough’s Cabinet after the consultation closes on 23 September. The Cabinet will then decide whether to implement one or both of the proposed schemes, which would operate for five years if approved. No start date for the schemes has been set.

Letting agents and inventory clerks operating in Slough should be aware of the potential changes and may wish to participate in the consultation process.