It is now widely recognised how important the private rented sector (PRS) is in the overall housing provision for all local authorities. However, it is also important to recognise that the PRS also contains some of the worst, often hidden, housing conditions providing poor homes for many vulnerable tenants often reluctant to raise issues with their landlords.

Licensing is a means by which councils can exert a certain level of control over the quality and performance of landlords, property standards and management of rented properties in their area. It therefore creates an excellent opportunity for the Local authority to provide targeted support to vulnerable tenants living in the private rented sector whilst overall improving the standards and management of properties and tenancies.