Croydon Council is inviting residents and businesses to have their say on proposals for two new landlord licensing schemes.

The consultation, being run on behalf of the Council by MEL research, closes on Monday, 12 January.

The proposals support the Council’s drive to improve the condition and quality of private rented accommodation across the borough and to create a fairer environment for both tenants and responsible landlords.

Property licensing is a way of ensuring safer and better standards in private rented homes. It is an important part of Croydon’s five-year Housing Strategy 2024-2029 and Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s priority to help make sure tenants live in safe, secure, warm and dry homes.

The first proposed scheme is a selective licensing scheme to improve poor property conditions. This would require private landlords in 14 wards to hold a Croydon property licence and to ensure their property meets current standards. Conditions of each licence would include making sure properties are fit for purpose, providing evidence of fire safety and proper tenancy agreements, and would include proactive inspections of properties.

The Council is also proposing an additional scheme for homes of multiple occupation (HMO). This would extend the national mandatory scheme that applies to large HMOs, to include smaller HMOs, and is also focused on tackling poor property conditions and poor property management.

The 12-week consultation closes on Monday 12 January 2026, and is available on independent research agency’s M.E.L Research’s website.  Following a review of the consultation reports and if approved at Cabinet, the schemes could be in place by the summer.

“We are working to make sure that residents live in good quality homes, and this includes residents who rent privately across the borough. These proposed schemes will help prevent residents from falling victim to rogue landlords and will support landlords in taking action against bad tenants.

“I encourage local tenants, landlords, managing agents to get involved and have their say before the consultation closes, so we can hear your views on the proposals. The consultation is open to everyone.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon