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Residents, landlords and businesses are being urged to share their views on Medway Council’s consultation on proposals to introduce selective licensing and additional HMO licensing across parts of Medway.
The 10-week consultation is now entering its final stages. The council is encouraging anyone who may be affected by the proposals to take part before the consultation closes on Sunday, 31 May.
If approved, selective licensing would apply to private rented homes occupied by single households or two sharers. Additional HMO licensing would apply to smaller shared houses rented to residents from three or four households who share (or lack) facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom – properties not currently covered by the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme.
Both schemes aim to improve standards in the private rented sector by requiring landlords to meet clear safety and property condition standards. This will help the council tackle rogue landlords and support the provision of better and safer homes.
Cllr Louwella Prenter,Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, said: “We have heard from a wide range of voices so far, and it’s encouraging to see people taking part. But we know there are many more residents, tenants and landlords with valuable insights and experiences. Every response helps us build a clearer picture of housing conditions across Medway.”
The council is consulting on two licensing schemes that, if approved, would come into effect in autumn 2026. The council wants to hear from tenants, landlords, managing agents, residents, community groups and anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough.
There is still time to have your say – but the window is closing.
Everyone can share their views by visiting Medway.gov.uk/PropertyLicensing.
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Notes to editors
It is proposed that the Additional Licensing Scheme would be brought into six wards:
- Chatham Central & Brompton,
- Fort Pitt,
- Gillingham North,
- Gillingham South,
- Luton,
- Watling.
It is proposed that the Selective Licensing Scheme would be brought into seven wards:
- Chatham Central & Brompton,
- Fort Pitt,
- Gillingham North,
- Gillingham South,
- Luton,
- Strood North & Frindsbury,
- Watling.
Mandatory HMO licensing scheme hasoperatedsince 2006.
Under the One Medway Council Plan, the council has fivepriorities:
- Delivering quality social care and community services.
- Benefitting from good education, quality jobs and a growing economy.
- Enjoying clean, green, safe, and connected communities.
- Improving health and wellbeing for all.
- Living in good quality, affordable homes.
More information about Medway Council’s existing licensing schemes for private landlordscan be found here.
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