Harrow Council is set to introduce six new selective licensing schemes throughout 2026, yet concerns have been raised over the lack of clear communication and promotion of these schemes by the council. London Property Licensing has highlighted the absence of detailed information on the council’s website, urging better awareness efforts to ensure landlords and agents are fully informed.
Six new selective licensing schemes approved
Following a 10-week consultation, Harrow Council approved six new selective licensing areas in December 2025. These schemes will be implemented in a staggered manner over the course of 2026. Despite this, the council’s website currently does not reflect these new schemes in its selective licensing postcode checker, nor has it issued any press releases or news updates to publicise the changes.
Richard Tacagni, managing director of London Property Licensing, emphasised the importance of councils actively promoting new licensing schemes ahead of their introduction. He pointed out that the Renters Rights Act 2025 has increased the maximum civil financial penalty for licensing offences to £40,000 and extended rent repayment orders to cover two years. This regulatory environment makes it essential for landlords and letting agents to understand and comply with the new licensing requirements.
Implications of the Renters Rights Act 2025
The introduction of six new selective licensing schemes adds complexity to Harrow’s licensing framework. Tacagni urged landlords and agents to carefully review the arrangements to avoid non-compliance. The timing coincides with new enforcement powers granted to councils under the Renters Rights Act 2025, which includes a statutory duty from May 2026 to ensure compliance with bans on Section 21 evictions and rent bidding wars.
To support enforcement, councils across England will receive £41 million in funding. This investment aims to bolster local authorities’ capacity to uphold tenant protections and licensing regulations, signalling a more rigorous regulatory landscape for landlords.
What this means for landlords
Landlords in Harrow and other areas affected by selective licensing schemes should be vigilant in monitoring council communications and updates. The lack of proactive information from Harrow Council highlights the need for landlords and agents to seek out official details independently to ensure compliance.
Failure to comply with selective licensing conditions can result in significant financial penalties and rent repayment orders. Given the increased penalties introduced by the Renters Rights Act 2025, landlords must prioritise understanding the scope and requirements of any new licensing schemes affecting their properties.
Source: Based on reporting from Property118
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Source: www.property118.com
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