Help us improve private rented homes in the borough by taking part in our selective licensing consultation.
Selective licensing* allows local authorities to require landlords within certain areas renting a property to a single household to obtain a licence to make sure private properties are safe, secure and well-maintained and hold landlords accountable for poor housing conditions.
At the moment our selective licensing scheme covers five wards* across the borough, and we’re proposing a new scheme which will cover up to 18 wards*.
Since selective licensing was introduced in 2022, it has improved safety standards, reduced hazards, and helped reduce property related anti-social behaviour in the areas where it operates, so we’re proposing to expand the scheme to cover 70% of the borough.
Councillor Joshua Ayodele, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Integrated Enforcement, said: “We believe residents who rent privately should live in safe, well-managed and high-quality homes. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A recent review has identified 12 additional wards we believe should be covered by the selective licensing scheme. While most landlords provide good quality homes, evidence shows a proportion of properties in the proposed areas are poorly maintained or badly managed.
“Your views and experiences will help refine our proposal to ensure responsible landlords are supported, every renter can feel proud of their home, and rogue or criminal landlords and agents are identified and removed from the sector. This consultation is on top of other work we are doing around HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) as part of our wider goal to ensure all private properties are safe to live in and neighbourhoods are supported.”
When a property is licensed, the council can carry out regular inspections to identify any potential hazards, like damp, mould and fire safety. Poor property management can also contribute to wider neighbourhood problems, including noise, waste issues, and antisocial behaviour.
We then work with landlords to resolve these issues. Since the beginning of 2025, we have inspected 622 licensed properties and helped landlords resolve 2,103 hazards.
Give your feedback on the proposal to expand the scheme by completing our online survey by Monday 12 October.
Notes:
*Selective licensing is for landlords renting a property to one household, this is separate from the existing scheme that requires houses in multiple occupation (HMO) to be licensed.
*The wards covered by the current selective licensing scheme (based on pre‑2023 ward boundaries) are: Plumstead and Glyndon, Plumstead Common, Shooters Hill, Woolwich Arsenal*, Woolwich Common and Woolwich Dockyard*. (*previously part of the former Woolwich Riverside ward).
*Proposed wards: Abbey Wood, Blackheath Westcombe, Charlton Hornfair, Charlton Village & Riverside, East Greenwich, Eltham Page, Eltham Town & Avery Hill, Greenwich Park, Kidbrooke Park, Middle & Horn Park, Thamesmead Moorings, West Thamesmead, Plumstead & Glyndon, Plumstead Common, Shooters Hill, Woolwich Common, Woolwich Dockyard, Woolwich Arsenal (partially).