Labour council is first to take advantage of Rayner law change

Barking and Dagenham’s Labour council is introducing a new Selective Licensing Scheme incorporating every single private rental property in the borough.

The scheme will begin on April 6 and is thought to be the first taking advantage of the law change announced by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner just before Christmas, allowing councils to implement larger licensing schemes without seeking government approval.

Previously, the council had been awaiting the Secretary of State’s authorisation for the proposed scheme, covering more than 20% of the borough.

So from the spring, all landlords in Barking and Dagenham must obtain a licence to rent out their properties.

The private rented sector is now the fastest-growing housing tenure in Barking and Dagenham, encompassing nearly a third of all homes.

Through previous licensing schemes, the council claims to have made significant progress in improving property standards and addressing poor management practices. Landlord Today