Rogue landlords are the target of a scheme whch is opening for public consultation this week.

Tenants, landlords and residents can give their views on the plan to subject Waltham Forest's private sector landlords to increased scrutiny through a compulsory licensing scheme.

The scheme would also force all landlords to gather references for new tenants before allowing them to rent and deal with complaints of anti-social behaviour or criminal activity in the property.

The private sector makes up one third of homes in the borough.

The consultation runs from Friday until January 24.

Visit www.walthamforest.gov.uk/selectivelicensing to complete a questionnaire.