We're committed to ensuring residents have access to safe and good quality homes. Our aim is to make sure private rented accommodation is fit for purpose and meets acceptable standards.
To build on the current mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme, we're proposing 2 additional schemes, including:
The schemes would apply within specific wards in Medway where evidence suggests intervention is needed to raise standards.
We want to hear your views on these proposals. Your feedback will help shape how we move forward to improve the quality, safety and management of privately-rented homes in Medway.
About the selective licensing scheme
The selective licensing scheme is when whole or parts of the area are subject to a designation under the Housing Act 2004. The designation makes it compulsory for all properties that are rented to single households or 2 unrelated sharers to hold a licence before it can legally be let to tenants.
We're proposing a selective licensing scheme for all privately-rented homes (excluding HMOs) to address poor housing conditions within the following wards:
- Chatham Central and Brompton
- Fort Pitt
- Gillingham North
- Gillingham South
- Luton
- Strood North and Frindsbury
- Watling.
About the additional HMO licensing scheme
An additional HMO licensing scheme is when the whole or parts of a borough are subject to a designation under the Housing Act 2004.
- occupied by three or more people forming more than one household
- sharing basic amenities (a kitchen, bathroom or toilet) and
- not already subject to mandatory national HMO licensing (for example, large HMOs with 5 or more people).
- Chatham Central and Brompton
- Fort Pitt
- Gillingham North
- Gillingham South
- Luton
- Watling.
Have your say
We want to hear views from:
- residents
- tenants
- landlords
- managing agents
- organisations and businesses
- those interested in the private-rented sector in Medway.
You should review documents relating to the consultation including:
- Additional HMO and Selective Licensing proposals - consultation evidence
- Appendix 1: Housing Stock Condition and Stressors Report
- Appendix 2: Selective licensing scheme conditions
- Appendix 3: Additional HMO licensing scheme conditions
- Appendix 4: Schedule of proposed fees, charges and discounts.
Our consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 31 May 2026.
Take part in our private rented sector licensing survey
If you need a paper questionnaire or any other format you can:
- email: prsconsultation@medway.gov.uk
- phone: 01634 331 200
- collect a paper copy in person from libraries across Medway.
Online public meetings
You can also share your views by attending online public meetings via Microsoft Teams. Spaces are limited, so register early to reserve your space.
Online public meetings will be taking place on:
- Wednesday 22 April 2026 - Reserve your spot for Wednesday 22 April meeting
- Wednesday 20 May 2026 - Reserve your spot for Wednesday 20 May meeting.
More information
If you have any queries or need help sharing your views, email prsconsultation@medway.gov.uk.
What happens next
Your views will be considered, and if necessary changes made to the final proposals. The final proposals will be submitted to Cabinet in summer 2026.
We have appointed Transform UK, an independent business management company, to support the consultation. A consultation report will be produced, with feedback from individual members of the public being anonymous. Views from organisations my be included in full.
Information will only be used to inform this consultation. Personal information that could identify you will be kept for no more than one year after any decisions have been finalised.