Reading’s HMO licensing scheme is set to be expanded to three new wards following a consultation.
The expanded version of the current mandatory scheme could cover HMOs with three or four occupants. Currently only those with five or more are covered.
There are currently more than 1,400 HMOs licensed under the scheme
The consultation will take place in September.
James Crosbie, the council’s assistant director for planning, transport and public protection, said: “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 three new wards being covered are Battle, Redlands and Par, which the council says have a high number of rental homes thought to have health and safety issues.
If the scheme goes though it would be introduced from Spring 2025.
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