The east London council is inviting residents and private landlords to have their say on the future of property licensing schemes in Barking and Dagenham with the aim of improving the quality of private rented homes.

Barking and Dagenham Council’s existing Selective Licensing Scheme has been providing protection for private renters living in single-family homes since 2015. Throughout that time, the council has licensed over 17,000 properties and inspected over 8,000 properties to make sure landlords are providing safe and decent homes for their tenants.

The council has identified the need for further property licensing schemes to maintain and improve the standards of private rented homes and respond to the current challenges faced by the sector.

A replacement Selective Licensing Scheme is being proposed, along with a new Additional Licensing Scheme to cover small, shared Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) let to two or three people and outside the scope of mandatory licensing.

Both schemes offer the unique benefit of allowing the council to undertake proactive property inspections and set conditions on property management. Robust enforcement action will be taken when requirements aren’t met. 

The council is proposing to offer discounts for landlords based on best practice:

Sliver compliance award: Satisfactory rating from compliance audit inspection (property meets the standards when inspected). Discount - £200 off the Part B fee for scheme running costs.

Gold compliance award: Accredited landlord and Satisfactory rating from compliance audit inspection (property meets the standards when inspected). Discount - £250 off the Part B fee for scheme running costs.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Private rented properties have played a growing role in providing homes for our residents over the last decade and we want to make sure that landlords are providing good, quality homes for their tenants.

“These licensing schemes allow us to work closely with landlords to help them improve and maintain their properties as well as take action against anyone who fails to follow the set requirements.

“I’d like to encourage all private sector tenants, landlords, letting agents and everyone else interested to have their say.”

People can take part in the survey on the council’s consultation portal.

They can also make any enquiries by emailing prplconsultation@lbbd.gov.uk or calling 020 8724 8898.

The consultation closes on Friday 26 April.