London — A Conservative-led council in London has warned private landlords they “must” apply for a property licence or risk prosecution and significant financial penalties.
The warning comes from the London Borough of Bexley, where a Selective Licensing scheme was introduced in part of the borough in January 2025.
Since the scheme was launched, the council says it has received almost 1,000 applications from landlords seeking to comply with the new rules.
However, officials have now issued a fresh warning, stating that many landlords have yet to apply and could face enforcement action.
In a statement, the council said landlords who fail to obtain a licence could be fined up to £30,000, with penalties expected to rise to £40,000 in the near future.
Authorities also warned that non-compliance could lead to prosecution, in addition to financial penalties.
What the Scheme Covers
The Selective Licensing scheme applies specifically to properties in Belvedere, where the council says there have been concerns about housing standards and anti-social behaviour.
Officials say the policy was introduced to improve living conditions and ensure landlords meet minimum legal requirements.
A council spokesperson said the scheme is designed to “improve tenant safety, housing conditions and ensure landlord professionalism.”
They added that it also aims to reassure residents that rental properties in the area are “safe and well looked after.”
The spokesperson welcomed the number of applications already received, describing it as a positive sign that many landlords are engaging with the new regulations.
Inspections Reveal Serious Hazards
At the same time, the council has stepped up enforcement efforts to identify landlords operating without licences.
Council officers have visited around 150 properties as part of an inspection programme targeting potentially unlicensed rental homes.
During these inspections, officials said they identified a range of issues, including serious hazards that pose risks to tenant health and safety.
Some of the problems discovered were classified as Category 1 hazards, which represent the most severe risks under housing safety standards.
These can include issues such as damp, structural defects, fire risks, or inadequate heating, all of which require urgent action by landlords.
The council said enforcement activity will continue in the coming months, with further inspections planned across the affected area.
Officials have urged landlords who have not yet applied for a licence to do so immediately to avoid penalties.
Wider Trend Across England
The move reflects a wider trend among local authorities across England introducing licensing schemes to regulate the private rental sector more closely.
Critics, however, have previously argued that such schemes can increase costs for landlords, which may ultimately be passed on to tenants through higher rents.
Supporters say stricter regulation is necessary to tackle poor housing conditions and protect vulnerable renters.
The Bexley scheme remains under review as the council monitors its impact on housing standards and compliance levels.
The warning comes as England prepares for its most significant overhaul of landlord regulation in a generation. The Renters’ Rights Act, which abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions, takes effect on 1 May 2026. In Ireland, similar pressures are building in the private rental sector following the introduction of the Residential Tenancies Act 2026 on 1 March, with the RTB investigating eviction notices served on dozens of households in the days before the new rules took effect.
For the latest on the UK housing crisis, landlord and tenant rights and Irish housing policy, visit M10News.com.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more facts are confirmed.
