Date Published 21 March 2025
Following on from our newsletter last year on the 29th of November regarding new HMO regulations being set for the Reading Berkshire area, we now have an important update in order to help prepare our buy-to-let landlords relating to the new tough licensing regulations set to be employed throughout the town.
Private rented accommodation accounts for a major share of the housing market, making up around 40% of the properties throughout the town. However, Reading Borough Council officers have discovered problems with these properties, such as landlords not properly maintaining fire alarms and issues with waste management. As a result, the council's Labour administration is proceeding full steam ahead with a licensing scheme setting minimum living standards for tenants. The cost of a license begins at £950 at a standard rate for the first year, increasing to £1,250 thereafter.
Furthermore, it has been decided that monitoring of the scheme to guarantee compliance will be led by a delivery partner rather than council officers due to ongoing staffing challenges. This news was conveyed at a recent council meeting; the outsourcing of a delivery partner was seen as the best option, as other councils throughout the country have undergone a similar route. Councillors had also agreed to begin tender for a delivery partner to supervise the licensing scheme at a policy committee meeting that had taken place earlier this week.
Additionally, the introduction of a discretionary licence scheme set for private landlords was agreed last November following a public consultation, a survey conducted by the University of Reading had contributed to this. While respondents mainly supported efforts for better living conditions, some concerns had arisen that costs would be passed on to students through higher rental rates.
As Reading's premier HMO agency, we are fully prepared and equipped to handle this transition on your behalf. Our team will be able to process applications and ensure your property meets the new standards without hassle, allowing compliance and peace of mind. For further information on our dedicated HMO services, please feel free to contact us at or visit our dedicated HMO page.
