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.
Phases
Preparations for delivery of the scheme
Housing, Neighbourhoods and Leisure Committee agreed a proposal to introduce additional hmo licensing boroughwide and selective licensing of all rented properties in 3 Wards. The proposed timetable at that time was for the additional licensing scheme (for 3 and 4 person hmos) to be introduced in June 2025. After this selective licensing of all rented properties in Battle Ward was proposed to follow in 2027, Selective licensing in Park Ward in 2029 and Redlands Ward in 2031.
More recently Policy Committee agreed to seek a delivery partner to help us process applications. This will help deliver the additional capacity to process applications and make inspections. However this does mean a delay to the introduction of the hmo licensing scheme, which is now expected to be introduced in the autumn of 2025. More detail on this will follow in the summer.
The recent committee details can be found here Agenda for Policy Committee on Monday, 17th March, 2025, 6.30 pm - Reading Borough Council
The next steps are to invite a tender for a company to assist the Council to deliver the scheme. Once these arrangements are in place the designation of a boroughwide additional hmo licensing scheme will be made. The designation decision would be published at least 3 months ahead of launch for a standstill period and further publicity and details of how to apply will be published.
In the meantime you can see details of the proposals on this consultation site and a list of FAQs are here Extension of property licensing – frequently asked questions - Reading Borough Council.
Upcoming and ongoing events
Past events
Event date: August 8th, 2024 from 13:15 to 15:45.
Palmer Park Library
4 registrants
Event date: July 16th, 2024 from 12:30 to 16:15.
South Reading Community Centre
2 registrants
Event date: July 15th, 2024 from 18:00 to 19:45.
St William Of York R C Church
2 registrants
Event date: July 3rd, 2024 from 12:30 to 16:30.
The Milestone Centre
Event date: June 26th, 2024 from 09:30 to 12:30.
Hexham Road Community Centre
Event date: June 18th, 2024 from 09:30 to 12:15.
Battle Library
2 registrants