A consultation on a new licensing scheme has been launched by Reading council.

The consultation will look at extending the current HMO licensing scheme across Reading, as well as introducing a targeted scheme to three specific wards which will cover all private rental properties.

The council claims the implementation of an additional HMO licensing scheme borough-wide, alongside the phased implementation of a selective licensing system, “aims to drive up conditions for tenants and improve the housing stock.”

In Reading there are currently more than 1,400 HMOs licensed under the current mandatory scheme.

The scheme the council is consulting on proposes extending HMO licensing to HMOs with three or four occupants.

A spokesperson for the council says: “We want to hear from tenants and landlords about our proposals and whether this will help drive change and provide better homes for our residents. National evidence shows that good homes have positive impacts on physical and mental health and for families and better educational outcomes.

“We want to ensure that all our private rented sector is safe for tenants. The proposed scheme will help with that aim, as we widen the area of inspection in terms of housing which will go beyond the mandatory scheme.

“We are asking tenants, landlords and any other interested parties for their feedback on the scheme and how it could be implemented. We will then assess their views. If we go ahead with the proposed plan, we will be looking at implementing the scheme in a phased approach from Spring 2025.”

The consultation will run until early September. You can see details here www.reading.gov.uk/housing/private-renting.