Residents, tenants, landlords, businesses and their representatives are invited to have their say on proposals aimed at making privately rented homes in Norwich safer and better managed.
Norwich City Council’s public consultation opens today, Monday 2 November 2026 and closes on Sunday 24 January 2027. It will seek views on two proposed property licensing schemes, including the areas and homes they would cover, licence conditions and fees.
The proposals are:
- Additional licensing across Norwich for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) occupied by three or four people forming two or more households and sharing facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom.
- Selective licensing for privately rented homes in Nelson, Mile Cross, Sewell and Town Close. Homes already covered by mandatory or additional HMO licensing would not need a separate selective licence.
If introduced, the schemes would run for up to five years. Landlords would need a licence for each property covered and would have to meet conditions relating to safety, maintenance and management. These may include gas and electrical safety, fire precautions, waste management and addressing anti-social behaviour linked to the property.
The proposals follow an independent review of the conditions in Norwich’s private rented housing commissioned in 2025, alongside the council’s inspection, complaint and enforcement data.
Existing enforcement powers often depend on tenants or neighbours reporting problems. Licensing would help the council identify and address issues earlier, provide clearer standards for landlords and give tenants greater confidence that their homes are safe and properly managed.
No final decision has been made. Responses will help the council decide whether to introduce the schemes, change the proposals or not proceed.
Cllr Ian Stutely, deputy leader and cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said:
"Everyone deserves to live in a safe, well-maintained home. Private tenants should be able to get issues resolved quickly, and good landlords should have confidence that poor standards are being tackled.
"These proposals aim to improve conditions in privately rented homes, support responsible landlords and proportionately address problems that affect neighbouring residents. We want to hear whether you think they are the right approach and how they could work in practice.
"No decision has been made on whether to introduce either scheme. Whether you rent your home, let a property or live or work nearby, please share your experiences and views. Your responses will help shape what happens next."
Private tenants, landlords, letting and managing agents, other residents, businesses and community organisations are encouraged to take part.
From 2 November, people can read the proposals and supporting evidence, view the proposed areas and complete the questionnaire on Get Talking Norwich at gettalking.norwich.gov.uk/discretionarylicensing. Views can also be emailed to NorwichPRS@melresearch.co.uk or you can call 0800 073 0348.
Paper copies of the survey can be sent to the Freepost address:
Freepost Plus RUBU-GJRK-GHBT
M E L Research Ltd
Somerset House
37 Temple Street
Birmingham
B2 5DP
The consultation will ask whether people support the proposals, what housing or management issues they experience locally, and whether the suggested licence conditions and fee arrangements are fair and proportionate. Proposed fees would cover the cost of running the schemes.
Following the consultation, responses will be reviewed and a report is expected to go to cabinet in Spring 2027. If the scheme(s) were approved, they wouldn’t commence before late Summer 2027, with notice given to those affected.
