Thousands of landlords face enforcement action, with a deadline to sign up to a new statutory licence just weeks away.

Only 135 of an estimated 3,000 landlords in Reading have signed up to the new requirement for smaller rented properties to apply for a licence.

The new government rules, introduced on October 1, 2018, mean that any private rented property that houses five or more people and forms two or more households require a licence.

Councillor John Ennis said the number of landlords that had signed up was significantly lower than projected.

He added: “Anecdotal evidence suggests that some landlords are reducing the number of tenants in their property to avoid licensing.”

The new legislation introduced minimum room sizes and removes the rule that only houses of three storeys or more need a licence.

Reading Borough Council ignored the government’s decision not to allow a grace period, giving landlords until January 31 to submit their applications.

Any landlord failing to apply by the end of the month will be subject to enforcement action.

Councillor Rob White highlighted the issue at Monday’s policy committee, asking the lead member for housing to give an update on the progress of signing up landlords.

He said: “It does sound extremely low, especially as we have given the landlords an extra period of grace. I am sure many people will be very disappointed.”

The green councillor asked the lead member for housing what kind of enforcement the council would take after January 31.

Cllr Ennis said: “The private sector housing team is one of the best councils in the south east for enforcement.

“They have rigorously pursued and enforced landlords that have failed to meet the target.

"I have every confidence that they will enforce any landlords that have not adhered to licensing."

The lead member for housing added that the council would consider adding further legislation for the ‘tiny minority’ of landlords that ‘skirt around and avoid the new licensing legislation’.

In November, a landlord was made to pay a £3,000 fine after leaving tenants in Tilehurst in poor and unsafe conditions.