Discretionary Licensing in the Private Rented Sector

This consultation was about proposals to introduce discretionary private rented property licensing schemes in Reading, alongside the existing mandatory scheme for larger houses in multiple occupation (HMO)s.

We are proceeding with plans to introduce licensing for:

• All HMOs across the borough – extending the existing scheme to include those HMOs with 3 – 4 occupants. (We also consulted on licensing buildings converted to flats was part of this consultation (known as section 257 HMOs, but we have not proceeded with this likcensing of s257 hmos).

• All rented properties (including those let to a single person or family) in 3 wards: Park, Redlands, and Battle.

The implementation of an additional HMO licensing scheme boroughwide, alongside the phased implementation of a selective licensing system, aims to drive up conditions for tenants and improve the housing stock.

The scheme will be introduced in phases over a number of years from 2025.

Proposed Selective Licensing Areas pahse 3&4 Park and Redlands.pdf

(13.2 MB)

Proposed Selective Licence Conditions.pdf

(201.5 KB)

Proposed Guide to Amenity Standards for Selective Licensing.pdf

(102.4 KB)

Proposed Selective Licensing Areas Phase 2 Battle.pdf

(17.4 MB)

Proposed Additional HMO Licence Conditions.pdf

(216.5 KB)

Proposed Guide to Amenity Standards for Additional Licensing.pdf

(180.6 KB)

Phases

Phases overview

Pre consultation information

Consultation

Review of responses

Decision to proceed

Preparations for delivery of the scheme

Additional (HMO) licensing scheme designation

Additional licensing scheme launch

1 March 2026 - No end date

From 1 March 2026 an additional licensing scheme will operate across the whole borough. This will require the landlords of 3-4 person HMOs that are not already subject to mandatory licensing to apply for a licence. Our FAQs explain how a HMO is defined.

Applications will be processed with the assistance of a delivery partner. You can find more information about them and guidance how to apply for a licence via our new portal. Applications for this scheme are not possible using our existing web platform, there is a separate website for 3-4 person HMOs and for 5+ person HMOs.

Registration for agents opens 1 February, landlords will be able to apply from 1 March.

We are running an event for landlords on 26 February, see the events section of this site.

You can read the designation of the scheme and publication notice for the additional licensing scheme on our website.

The Council also proposes to make further designations for selective licensing in Battle, Park and Redlands ward at a future date. These designations are not yet made and applications cannot yet be made for these schemes.