The London Borough of Newham introduced selective licensing in 2013, with an aim to drive out rogue landlords from the sector.
The borough uses income from the scheme to resource property inspections and enforcement work. In 2023, the standard fee was £750 and 10,470 PRS properties were inspected, leading to 426 enforcement notices and 109 financial penalty notices – resulting in £335,000 of financial penalty income.
Newham also provides a forum, a landlord information page, and an e-bulletin for landlords, helping to upskill and raise awareness of standards.
MEES enforcement is also funded through the scheme, with 76 EPC F&G homes subject to enforcement in 2023.
E3G’s research found that the scheme in Newham has practically eliminated MEES non-compliance.
