HOMEOWNERS in the borough could be forced to get a licence before renting out their properties under proposals to tackle rogue landlords.


The council is to undertake new research looking into the possibility of making landlords and letting agents register in areas of Waltham Forest particularly affected by anti-social behaviour, following the introduction of a similar scheme in Newham.


It comes as three landlords were fined a total of £5,000 by magistrates this month for breaking planning laws.


Labour councillors voted through a motion last week pledging to push ahead with exploring proposals for Leyton, Cathall and Lea Bridge wards


It could mean landlords and agents would be charged to join a register, which the council could introduce with new bye-laws using powers under the 2011 Localism Act.


The original motion was put forward by Liberal Democrat opposition councillor Winnie Smith but was altered by Labour, including replacing calls for a “full public consultation” to read “evaluation” instead.


Cllr Smith described the change as a dilution but said her party was pleased that the council was looking seriously at the issue.


She added: "There is only so much that can be done at the moment without this new licensing power."


But Labour criticised the Conservative and Lib Dem government for scrapping planning rules which meant permission was needed to convert family homes into multiple occupancy properties.


Councillors also added a note of caution by pointing to a legal challenge against Thanet Council, due to be heard this month, after it tried to introduce a similar licence scheme.


The council says more than 1,100 properties have been registered to its voluntary accreditation scheme, which was launched last year.


Meanwhile three landlords have been fined at Bow Magistrates Court following prosecutions for failing to comply with enforcement notices served by Waltham Forest Council.


Munir Hussain was fined £2,000 over an unauthorised dormer window in Landsdowne Road, Walthamstow, Mei Yun Wu was ordered to pay £1,500 for extensions to a property in Chaucer Road, Walthamstow, and William Lao was fined £1,500 over unauthorised extensions and the erection of an outbuilding in Leyton's Webster Road.


Cllr Clyde Loakes, cabinet member for the environment, said: “I hope this sends a strong message to any landlords in the borough.


“We have an excellent enforcement team and an enviable success rate when it comes to prosecutions.”


A third of homes in the borough are rented – more than double the national average.