Redbridge Council is aiming to introduce a landlord licensing scheme to "raise housing standards in the borough". Local landlords are up in arms and warn the council that in the end costs may have to be passed onto tenants.

Richard Blanco, an Ilford landlord, has told the council that the licensing scheme should only be a “last resort” for those areas that are suffering from anti-social behaviour.

Blanco said: “We know from other boroughs that it will be the good landlords that pay the licensing fee and the council will still have to identify criminal operators. Fees will add to landlords’ costs and could increase rents.”

The council's plan is to launch the scheme in February next year and are carrying out a 12 week consultation stating it will combat the anti-social problems and raise housing standards.

Councillor  Muhammed Javed, cabinet member for housing, said: “Redbridge has a growing number of privately rented properties and it is vital that landlords offer good quality and safe accommodation.

“Although many landlords operate professionally, we are concerned about those who let properties that fail to meet satisfactory standards and have a negative impact on the health and welfare of the occupier and their neighbours.”

Richard Blanco counters Javed's argument for the introduction of the scheme as it is “grossly unfair” for all landlords to be tarnished

He said: “This scheme will deter landlords from investing in a borough which desperately needs more housing for local residents,

“In that sense councillors are really shooting themselves in the foot and it is ultimately local people who will suffer.”

The council's intentions are crystal clear despite the fact the borough has a severe housing crisis with nearly  8,000 on the council waiting list. The authority is investigating its local development framework and being consulted on whether they can identify suitable areas for housing development, which may include green belt sites.

February 16th is the date the consultation will be closed and its recommendations will be handed to the cabinet for approval.