Greenwich is licensing all Houses in Multiple Occupation from October 1 – just the latest London council to tighten its private rental sector rules. 

It claims it is undertaking this to “ensure that tenants have safe, secure and properly regulated homes.”

A statement says the new regime will help to ensure that the housing meets legal health and safety standards, is well run and provides enough essential bathroom and kitchen facilities for tenants.

A public consultation was carried out from November 2016 to February this year and some 80 per cent of residents and tenants who responded were in favour.

“Landlords can also market their properties as fully licensed, offering a suitable range of facilities. I encourage landlords to register for their early bird discounts and work with us as we improve the quality of homes on offer to tenants across the borough” says a spokeswoman for the council.