Council chiefs plan to introduce a large licensing scheme to stamp out rogue landlords who force their tenants to live in insanitary and overcrowded conditions.

Under the new proposals, all private landlords in the Harlesden, Willesden Green and Wembley Central wards must be licensed before they rent out their properties.

In addition a licence will also be needed by those who rent out smaller houses of multiple home occupancy in the borough.

Currently only landlords of larger MHO’s need a licence.

The plans aims to help tenants who struggle to get repairs done, live in poor conditions or suffer overcrowding and hopes to tackle anti-social behaviour displayed by a minority such as fly-tipping and noise pollution

If the proposals are approved, they would also help neighbours concerned about from some privately-rented homes.

The council has launched a public consultation on its plans which ends in March.

Cllr Margaret McLennan, Brent Council’s lead member for housing, said: “If you are a tenant, landlord, live or run a business near a rented property, help us raise standards for privately-rented homes and flats by having a say.

“We believe that everyone will benefit from our proposals. Local people will have better homes, neighbours will be reassured and it will be good for landlords’ business.

“Our proposals are aimed at the minority of private landlords who give their tenants a raw deal and also at stamping out anti-social behaviour by tenants.”

If the plans go through the council said landlords would face a ‘reasonable’ charge for a licence which will also offer them discounts and incentives.

There will be penalties for breaches of licence conditions.

Anyone who wishes to take part in the consultation can do so by visiting www.brent.gov.uk/consultation or emailing PRSlicensing@brent.gov.uk.