Croydon is introducing two new private sector property licensing schemes to improve housing conditions in private rented homes across the borough, following approval by Cabinet this week. The schemes will come into effect from 1 September 2026 and will run for five years.
Around a third of homes in Croydon are privately rented and, in some areas, tenants are experiencing poor property conditions or dealing with badly managed homes. Based on this, the selective licensing scheme (for single household properties) will apply to privately rented homes in 14 out of the 28 wards in the borough, covering around 72.5% of the borough’s private rented sector.
Landlords in these areas will need a licence and must meet clear standards on property condition, safety and management. A new additional licensing scheme will also apply right across the borough to smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) not already covered by national rules.
The schemes include a stronger, targeted inspection regime focused on properties with poor conditions or management and safety hazards. This reflects a zero-tolerance approach to landlords who do not meet the required standards and will help spot problems sooner and deal with them before they get worse, improving conditions across the borough.
The introduction of the schemes follows a 12-week public consultation, with over 1,000 responses from residents, landlords, businesses and organisations, including those from neighbouring areas with properties or interests in Croydon. Feedback from surveys, doorstep engagement and in-person events has shaped the final proposals, including more property inspections and clearer plans for delivery.
Alongside this, improving housing standards across the borough is a priority for the Mayor. The previous Council applied for a licensing scheme in 2020, which was not approved by the Secretary of State. Since then, under Executive Mayor Perry, the Council has introduced a new housing strategy, alongside wider improvements across the housing service. They have also developed a stronger evidence base, meaning the schemes are now more targeted and can be delivered more effectively.
The schemes are designed to support responsible landlords to manage issues such as antisocial behaviour, working with partners including the police and other services. They will also allow the Council to take firmer action against landlords who are not meeting basic housing standards such as damp and mould and fire safety.
They will also work alongside upcoming national changes, including the Renters’ Rights Act, helping to strengthen protections for tenants.
Selective licensing is being proposed as a targeted measure in wards with the highest evidence-based levels of concern. However, the Council will continue to tackle issues in all other areas using its existing statutory powers to ensure tenants are protected and landlords meet their obligations.
“Everyone deserves a safe, decent and well-managed home, and too many residents are still living in conditions that are not acceptable in Croydon. That has to change.
“These evidence-based schemes give us stronger powers to act where homes are not being properly managed, so we can focus on the areas where issues are most common and drive out poor practice.
“Where landlords break the rules, we will act. We will not allow people’s safety or living conditions to be put at risk. This is about raising standards across Croydon and making sure residents can feel safe and confident in their homes.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
