The government has confirmed that local selective licensing schemes will remain in place even after the launch of the Private Rented Sector Database under the Renters’ Rights Act, scheduled for 2027.

While some observers warned that the mandatory database might make council licensing redundant – adding unnecessary cost and complexity for landlords – Baroness Taylor of Stevenage defended the dual approach. She emphasised that selective licensing targets local housing issues, allowing councils to take a more proactive enforcement role, whereas the database serves broader registration and monitoring purposes.

The government has pledged to keep landlord requirements proportionate and fair, and to review how the database and selective licensing interact to avoid unnecessary duplication.

In addition, reforms are being extended to short-term lets, with measures aimed at protecting housing availability and local services. These include restrictions on evicting tenants to convert properties into holiday lets, a forthcoming national registration scheme for short-term lets, and powers for Mayors to introduce visitor levies.

The combined reforms reinforce the government’s approach to tighter oversight of the private rented sector, while leaving councils room to enforce local priorities.