Landlords across the borough will have to stick to tougher regulations as new rental licensing conditions have been approved.

Redbride Council’s efforts to crack down on rogue landlords was approved by the government yesterday.

It means an extra 12 wards will be subject to more stringent regulations – a further 57 per cent of the borough.

The scheme, which will come into force from October 1, means that all privately rented properties in 14 wards in the borough will now need to be licensed through the council and comply with conditions to ensure the property is safe and well managed.

As part of selective licensing, landlords are also responsible for ensuring their tenants do not cause problems for neighbours.

The council said it has seen a marked increase in the number of requests for assistance from tenants because of the condition of their rented home. Many had tried to get their landlord to carry out essential repairs for months.

Landlords in the identified wards will have to comply with licence conditions to ensure the property is safe and well managed.

Shelter UK, Ilford North and South MPs, Redbridge Citizens and Generation Rent joined forces with the council to support better regulation of the borough’s private rented sector.

Council leader, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: “This is a flagship policy and we are pleased that the government agrees that it should be extended across the borough. We are determined to crack down on rogue landlords and improve the housing conditions of often vulnerable people.

“Our existing scheme is already driving up standards in the private rented sector and this expansion will further improve the lives of thousands of our residents.”

Cllr Farah Hussain, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “It’s great that we’ve been granted permission to expand to these additional wards. Residents will reap the benefits of this scheme which will ensure that all private rented accommodation in these areas is in good condition and well managed.

“Landlords will benefit by being able to clearly demonstrate to prospective tenants that they meet our required standards. We want to clamp down on those rogue landlords that take rent for dangerous accommodation and wash their hands of the problems some tenants cause to their neighbours.

“This scheme also adds some protection against eviction for tenants living in unlicensed homes and will help to prevent homelessness.”

The wards where selective licensing will be rolled out by October are:

Goodmayes

Loxford

Snaresbrook

Roding

Newbury

Mayfield

Cranbrook

Seven Kings

Chadwell

Fairlop

Aldborough

Valentines

Church End

Clementswood

For information on property licensing search ‘Private rentals’ on the Council’s website.