The council has opened a 10-week public consultation on proposed licensing schemes for the private rented sector in Slough, seeking views on measures that would affect almost 17,000 rented properties across the borough.
What the proposals would cover
Two schemes are under consideration:
- Selective licensing — aimed at privately rented homes occupied by a single person, a family, or a household of up to two unrelated individuals. The suggested selective scheme would target particular areas, building on previous local arrangements.
- Additional licensing — aimed at smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) not already covered by mandatory licensing. This would include properties where three or four tenants share kitchen or bathroom facilities.
Why the council says change is needed
Slough Borough Council says the aim is to improve housing standards and protect tenants and communities. The council notes that of the 58,540 properties in the borough, 2,024 are predicted to be HMOs, and it estimates that 22.3% of those HMOs have a serious hazard.
Housing enforcement figures from 2020 to 2025 are also highlighted: of 369 enforcement notices issued in the private rented sector during that period, 153 were issued to predicted HMOs. The council says stricter requirements for landlords can help raise standards and increase stability for tenants.
"These licensing schemes mean there are more requirements for landlords to follow. They must take all measures to provide safe, secure and habitable housing for their tenants."
The quote above comes from Cllr Zafar Satti, the council's lead member for public protection and regulatory services, who urged residents and stakeholders to respond to the consultation so the final schemes reflect local concerns.
Local context and previous schemes
Slough previously ran a borough-wide additional licensing scheme and a selective licensing scheme for Chalvey and Slough Central wards between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2024. During that period:
| Scheme | Properties licensed |
|---|---|
| Additional (borough-wide) | 149 |
| Selective (Chalvey & Slough Central) | 3,635 |
The council says the new proposals are intended to build on that progress and ensure private rented housing is safe and suitable across the borough.
Practical implications and next steps
- If implemented, landlords would be required to pay a licence fee that would cover up to five years.
- The consultation is open for responses until 23 September. Residents, tenants, landlords and community groups have the opportunity to comment.
Responses to the consultation will inform any final decision on the introduction of selective and additional licensing. Any future scheme would affect landlords’ responsibilities and enforcement priorities for the council, and could change the landscape of private renting in Slough depending on the scope and conditions adopted.
