Croydon to resurrect plans for selective landlord licensing scheme

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 - Croydon Council

Croydon Council is preparing to reinstate a selective licensing scheme for the private rented sector to protect residents from living in poor conditions and assist in regulating the sector.

A selective licensing report was presented to the council’s Cabinet Meeting on 12 February 2025 under the urgent business procedure. This allows the chair of the meeting to introduce business which, by reason of special circumstances, needs to be considered as a matter of urgency.

According to the council, the report was considered urgent due to the Executive Mayor’s Business Plan and the Council’s Housing Strategy, new legislation and new guidance, the need to deal proactively with demand pressures and costs of service delivery and the need to deliver a robust approach to enforcement in the private rented sector.

The Cabinet approved a recommendation to develop a proposed selective licensing scheme, whilst making no mention of additional licensing. 

Back in June 2021, the government had blocked Croydon Council’s plans to implement an expansive selective licensing scheme (read here) which caused the plans to be placed on hold. In December 2024, the government amended their General Approval, removing any requirement to obtain government approval.

Rather than asking officers to report back on their selective licensing proposals, the report authorises officers to consult on whatever proposals are developed. The issue only needs to be brought back to Cabinet once any public consultation has been completed

Croydon Council say they have been transforming their housing service over the last year to ensure there are safe, high-quality homes for all Croydon’s residents.

The council acknowledge the private rented sector is an important part of Croydon’s housing mix and that most landlords provide their tenants with decent homes. They also recognise that some privately rented properties in Croydon have serious issues including damp and mould, fire hazards and structural instability. They say selective licensing is a proven tool that allows the council to regulate the sector and improve standards, providing benefits for both tenants and landlords.

The commitment to improving housing standards aligns with the key priority in the Executive Mayor’s Business Plan 2022-26 to make Croydon a cleaner, safer, and healthier place to live.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon said:

“A selective licensing scheme would help to raise the standard of housing in the private rented sector. We do not want our residents to live in poorly managed rented properties that are unsafe or contribute to antisocial behaviour in our neighbourhoods.

“I’m committed to improving housing standards across the borough and will continue to take every necessary step to protect the rights of private tenants and responsible landlords, ensuring rogue landlords are held accountable.”

Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in Croydon is available here.

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