From 1 October 2022, all private-rented single-household properties in Woolwich Arsenal, Woolwich Common, Shooters Hill, Plumstead Common and Plumstead Glyndon wards are required to be licensed.  

Under the new scheme, the Council will be able to check whether individuals are ‘fit and proper’ to be a landlord.  

Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, Cllr Ann-Marie Cousins said: "We know that the majority of our landlords are trustworthy and compliant. The new selective licensing scheme strengthens our resolve in challenging the minority of landlords imposing unacceptable tenancy agreements and conditions on renters, often leading to the exploitation of vulnerable tenants."  

With 26% of homes rented to private single-household tenants across Royal Greenwich, selective licensing will help us to support the rights of our residents and ensure homes comply with set standards which meet health and safety regulations.  

Landlords will also be able to get more support to maintain and improve the condition of private rented homes in the borough. 

Find out more about the different private rented property licences in Royal Greenwich.

Challenging rogue landlords 

By introducing the new scheme, the Royal Borough of Greenwich aims to crack down on rogue landlords and anti-social behaviour, ensure private rented homes are kept at the highest standard they can be, and ultimately, protect tenants.  

Where a property should be but has not been licensed, or a licence has been obtained but its conditions are breached, a range of sanctions may be available, including prosecution or civil penalty fees of up to £30,000.  

Find out more 

If they want to rent out a property, landlords in the designated areas must apply for a licence online from 1 October 2022, which will run for up to five years. Early applications until 31 December 2022 will secure a discount. Find out if your property needs a licence. 

The Council will be holding open events for landlords and Letting Agents in The Gallery Woolwich Centre on: 

• Thursday 13 October 2022, 6.30pm 
• Thursday 10 November, 6.30pm  
  
  Read the full designation and report. 
   

For more information, email private-rented-property-licensing@royalgreenwich.gov.uk 

Frequently asked questions