READING Borough Council has launched a new scheme aimed at improving properties for those renting in Reading.
A push to raise standards for thousands of tenants around the town has now gone into effect, as the council seeks a more “proactive” approach to improving conditions.
The move will see a greater number of landlords to obtain a licence before entering into private renting agreements.
The scheme came into effect in Reading on 1 March 2026 and applies to certain houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) not covered by the mandatory HMO licensing scheme.
Under it, landlords must apply for an Additional Licence if they rent out a property which is subject to certain conditions
These include homes which would be occupied by three to four people; forms two or more ‘households’, such as between three unrelated people; and which has shared facilities, such as a kitchen or bathroom.
The requirements apply regardless of the size of the property and how many storeys it occupies.
Previously, only HMOs with five or more occupants required a licence under the national mandatory scheme.
The new designation requires landlords to hold a valid licence if they rent smaller shared properties across the whole borough.
Landlords of affected properties are required to submit an application, as those who have not applied by May 31 could face a late application fee or enforcement action.
A separate licence is required for each property that falls within the scope of the scheme. Under the scheme, all licensed properties will be subject to inspection to ensure they meet the required standards.
Reading Borough Council has appointed Home Safe as its delivery partner for the scheme to work in partnership with the council to manage the application process and support inspection and compliance activity.
Matt Yeo, Lead Councillor for Housing at Reading Borough Council said: “We know that Reading is home to a high number of rental properties, which is why the Council intends to do all it can to further drive up living standards for the many thousands of tenants who live in them.
“Our additional licensing scheme aims to improve property conditions, increase our ability to enforce better private rented standards and target areas where we anticipate the most issues.
“We are pleased with engagement from the sector to date, and we are reminding landlords and agents that it is a criminal offence for an agent to operate or manage a licensable property without a valid licence in place.”
Mike Brook, Scheme Manager at Home Safe, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Reading Borough Council to deliver its Additional Licensing Scheme.
“Our role is to support a clear and straightforward application process, while helping ensure properties meet the required standards.
“Guidance for landlords and agents, together with the online application portal, is available on the Home Safe website.
“We urge anyone who believes their property falls within the scope of the scheme to review the criteria and submit an application as soon as possible.
“If you are unsure whether your property falls within the scope of the scheme, you should contact Reading Borough Council or Home Safe for guidance.”
Full details are available via: reading.gov.uk/housing
Applications can be found via: home-safe.org.uk/landlords/licence-schemes
