A council claims to know in advance of inspections how many HMOs will have serious hazards.

It is even predicting this down to a tenth of a per cent. 

Slough council has launched consultations about two licensing schemes – and they would cover all 17,000 rental properties in the patch. 

The additional licensing scheme applies to smaller Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) not covered by the mandatory licensing rules and includes properties with three or four tenants who share kitchen or bathroom amenities. 

And that council claims that of the 2,024 HMOs in the borough, it can forecast – in advance of the consultation closing, as well as in advance of inspections – that 22.3% will have a serious hazard. 

Between 2020 and 2025, 153 of the 369 private rented sector housing enforcement notices served were in relation to predicted HMOs. 

And it claims the number of associated anti-social behaviour complaints, and planning issues is also disproportionately higher in relation to predicted HMOs.   

Councillor Zafar Satti, lead member for public protection and regulatory services, says: “These licensing schemes mean there are more requirements for landlords to follow. They must take all measures to provide safe, secure and habitable housing for their tenants. 

“Toughening the rules for the private rented and HMO sectors will only be a good thing, as it puts in place measures to protect residents and communities. It will help to make sure properties are of a higher standard, make them more desirable to live in and offer more stability.”

The proposed schemes aim “to improve standards and to have private rented sector housing that is fit for purpose.”

The consultation is open until September 22.