Issue

housing standards

5 stories · discussed at 1 council meeting · 6 councils

Councils are currently addressing housing safety and quality through new licensing schemes and policy implementations.

In September 2026, Kensington and Chelsea's Audit & Transparency Committee reviewed the Auditor's Annual Report for 2025/26, which highlighted significant weaknesses in housing safety standards. Hounslow Council also noted its Scrutiny Annual Report in September 2026, detailing reviews into housing standards. Haringey Council introduced a Clear Communal Areas Policy in January 2026 to enhance safety and ensure compliance with housing standards, aiming to meet the Social Housing Regulator's consumer standards.

Councils are implementing and expanding property licensing schemes to improve housing standards. Hillingdon Council's Cabinet decided in February 2026 to implement a borough-wide Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme, with enforcement commencing in August 2026. Wandsworth Council's Cabinet decided in December 2025 to expand its property licensing scheme, requiring landlords in designated areas to obtain a license. Harrow Council's Cabinet approved in July 2025 to consult on expanding its selective licensing scheme and updating HMO conditions.

Key facts

  1. Hounslow Council noted its Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26 in September 2026, which highlighted reviews into housing standards. Source
  2. Hillingdon Council's Cabinet decided in February 2026 to implement a borough-wide HMO licensing scheme. Source
  3. Haringey Council introduced a Clear Communal Areas Policy in January 2026 to enhance safety and meet housing standards. Source
  4. Wandsworth Council's Cabinet decided in December 2025 to expand its property licensing scheme. Source
  5. Harrow Council's Cabinet approved in July 2025 to commence consultation on expanding its selective licensing scheme. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Scrutiny Annual Report Noted by Hounslow Council Hounslow Council's Borough Council has noted the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26, which details the committee's work over the past year and outlines future priorities. Hounslow 20 September 2026
  2. Hillingdon to Implement Borough-Wide HMO Licensing Scheme Hillingdon Council is set to implement a borough-wide licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in a bid to improve housing standards and tackle anti-social... Hillingdon 22 February 2026
  3. Haringey Council Implements New Policy to Keep Communal Areas Clear Haringey Council has introduced a new policy aimed at keeping communal areas clear of obstructions, enhancing safety for residents and ensuring compliance with housing standards. Haringey 24 January 2026
  4. Wandsworth Expands Property Licensing to Improve Housing Standards Wandsworth Council is set to expand its property licensing scheme, aiming to drive up housing standards across the borough. Wandsworth 5 December 2025
  5. Harrow Council Proposes Expansion and Updates to Selective Licensing Scheme Harrow Council is proposing to extend its selective licensing scheme to several new areas and update the conditions for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to improve housing... Harrow 29 July 2025