Slough Borough Council has launched a public consultation on proposed property licensing schemes that would impose fees of up to £950 on local landlords.
The additional license for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) would cost £950, while a selective license for private rented properties would be £750.
The selective licensing scheme is expected to cover 14,686 properties, and the additional licensing scheme targets 1,350 HMOs.
Landlords who need reminders to apply will face an extra £75 fee. The council has decided not to offer early-bird discounts or accreditation price reductions.
Officials explained that managing a complex fee system would divert resources from the licensing team and undermine the main objectives.
Lost revenue from discounts would also raise the standard fee for all applicants.
Between 2020 and 2024, Slough operated licensing schemes in central Slough and Chalvey, issuing 3,635 selective licenses and 149 additional licenses.
Current records show 682 known HMOs and an estimated 1,342 unrecorded HMOs across the borough.
Authorities project that 452 HMOs and 2,743 private rented properties likely contain serious hazards.
Council Seeks Public Feedback
Councillor Zafar Satti, lead member for public protection and regulatory services, voiced support for the proposed changes.
"It will help to make sure properties are of a higher standard, make them more desirable to live in and offer more stability," Satti said.
He urged residents and stakeholders to share their comments to ensure the final schemes are comprehensive.
The council is currently gathering feedback before finalizing the enforcement parameters for both licensing schemes.
