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Propertymark’s latest position paper examines whether local authority landlord licensing schemes are achieving their stated aim of improving standards in the private rented sector. Selective and additional licensing schemes are expanding across England and Wales, placing significant costs and administrative demands on landlords and letting agents, particularly where requirements vary between council areas or repeat existing legal duties.
Landlord licensing schemes are expanding across England and Wales, bringing increased cost and administration for landlords and letting agents. While intended to raise standards in the private rented sector, inconsistent enforcement and stretched local authority resources raise questions about their effectiveness.
We have responded to consultations from Bath and North East Somerset Council and Gosport Borough Council on proposed approaches to housing enforcement and financial penalties in the private rented sector. We support robust action where landlords or agents deliberately, seriously or repeatedly fail to meet their legal responsibilities. However, it must be proportionate, transparent and focused on improving compliance rather than simply increasing financial penalties.
The first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has been in force since 1 May 2026, but local regulation is continuing to develop alongside it. Councils across England are consulting on new selective licensing schemes and planning controls for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), creating further checks, costs, and responsibilities for agents and landlords.