A CLAMPDOWN on rogue landlords and letting agents could be launched, with councillors set to agree a public consultation on the issue.

Under the proposals the council would aim to ensure all properties with multiple occupants, as well as private tenancies in areas suffering anti-social behaviour, would be licensed to ensure tighter regulation.

There is currently a landlord accreditation scheme in Waltham Forest which 900 people have signed up to.

The new scheme would also include the registration and greater regulation of letting agents, with the service paid for through a charge to the business.

According to housing charity Shelter, a third of properties in Waltham Forest are rented out by provate landlords - more than double the national average.

And 25,800 homes in the borough do not meet the government's basic standard of decency.

There are only 121 licensed homes with multiple occupants in the borough, but the council believe up to 400 more should be under current rules, with an estimated 3,470 in total across Waltham Forest.

A council report, which will be considered at a town hall meeting tonight, states that Leyton, Cathall and Lea Bridge wards should be considered for licencing due to high levels of anti-social behaviour.