Redbridge council in London is offering 50 per cent off the cost of its private rental sector licensing scheme until September 13.

The different licensing regimes operating in the borough – launched in a bid to reduce what the council claims is anti-social behaviour and poor property standards associated with the private rental sector – have so far attracted 248 additional applications and 741 selective licence applications.

The licence application fee is £500 but is available at a special rate of £250 if applied for before mid-September.

“The scheme requires landlords to hold a separate licence for each property they rent out in the Borough, and means landlords will be prosecuted if they fail to adhere to certain licence conditions” says a council spokesman.

“We are improving standards in Redbridge’s private rented properties by working with landlords through our property licensing schemes and will use all the powers available to us to bring criminal landlords into compliance.  A recent prosecution taken by our Housing Standards team resulted in a landlord facing a fine of almost £17,000 for not complying” he adds.