A leading local authority when it comes to landlord fines has increased its licensing scheme with little publicity, it has been claimed.

Waltham Forest Council has extended both its additional and selective licensing schemes to run from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 31 2030.

Despite the importance of this extension, data company Kamma claims the announcement has been quietly published, with little effort to inform landlords and letting agents—an issue that has sparked concern among industry professionals.

The official designation for the extended additional licensing scheme was made on 18 July 2024 but Kamma says this has not been widely communicated.

The information is currently buried within the council’s consultation announcements, with the additional licensing webpage not slated for an update until May 2025—after the new scheme has already commenced, Kamma said,

Analysis of the Mayor of London rogue landlord database by Kamma reveals that Waltham Forest has issued £876,400 in fines related to unlicensed properties in 2024 alone.

A recent poll conducted by Kamma revealed that nearly 70% of landlords and letting agents struggle to determine whether their properties fall within a licensing scheme, with more than 90% criticising councils for failing to effectively publicise upcoming schemes and regulatory changes.

Orla Shields, chief executive of Kamma, highlighted the importance of timely communication, adding: “The rigorous enforcement by Waltham Forest is commendable and sets a high standard for improving housing conditions. However, this progress is undermined by the council’s failure to adequately inform stakeholders about upcoming licensing changes. 

“While Kamma provides essential reports to letting agents about how regulations affect their properties, this responsibility should primarily lie with the council. By not properly communicating these changes, councils risk reinforcing the perception that licensing is merely a cash grab, rather than a genuine effort to enhance housing standards.”