Rented Homes Consultation

SOUTHEND City Council has launched a consultation on proposals for a new selective licensing scheme to improve standards in privately rented homes and extend licensing into more areas of the city.

Residents, landlords and local organisations are invited to help shape the proposals before the consultation closes on 31 December 2026.

The existing scheme began on 1 December 2021 and covers designated neighbourhoods within Milton, Kursaal, Victoria and Chalkwell wards. It requires landlords renting out eligible properties in those areas to hold a licence and comply with conditions covering the property’s condition and management.

A council statement said: “These requirements help the council hold landlords accountable for providing safe, properly managed homes and tackle problems affecting tenants and neighbouring residents. Selective licensing works alongside the council’s wider housing enforcement powers.

“The current five-year scheme expires on 30 November 2026. The council is consulting on a replacement, including expanding its coverage to drive improvements in more neighbourhoods. The consultation will help shape the final proposals, including where the new scheme would apply and how it would operate.

“Subject to the consultation, the necessary approvals and statutory requirements, the council is working towards possible implementation from 1 April 2027, aligning the new scheme with financial years.”

Coun Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend City Council, said: “Everyone deserves a safe, decent home. Paying rent should mean being able to expect a property that is properly maintained and a landlord who takes their responsibilities seriously.

“My administration wants to build on selective licensing and extend its reach so more residents benefit from better housing standards. Responsible landlords deserve a level playing field, without being undercut by those who neglect their properties or tenants.

“We have a clear ambition, but residents and landlords must have a genuine say in shaping the scheme. I encourage everyone affected to take part.”

Coun Irene Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Preventing Homelessness, said: “Poor housing can damage people’s health and make everyday life a struggle. Selective licensing helps us identify problems and require landlords to address them.

“We want to hear from tenants about their experiences, from landlords about how the proposed scheme would work in practice, and from the wider community about conditions in their neighbourhoods.

“The consultation will help inform the final proposals, including the areas covered and how the scheme operates. No final decision on the new scheme has been made.”

Responses will be considered before final proposals are brought forward for a decision.

There will be a gap between the existing scheme ending and any replacement beginning. The council’s wider powers to tackle unsafe housing will remain in place, and residents should continue to report concerns about poor property conditions.

To read the proposals and take part before 31 December 2026, visit the Selective Licensing Consultation at: https://yoursay.southend.gov.uk/selective-licensing-consultation.

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