Another council is set to introduce borough-wide mandatory licensing of all private rental accommodation.

Croydon, part of Greater London, says that its proposed scheme is a key part of its “Don’t Mess with Croydon” campaign.

Every private landlord will be required to obtain a licence and pass “fit and proper” checks.

As elsewhere that has brought in mandatory licensing, any landlord renting out a property without a licence will face fines of up to £20,000.

In the last four years, the council says the number of complaints it has received about private rented housing has more than doubled from 630 in 2010/11 to 1,371.

Cllr Alison Butler, cabinet member for homes and regeneration, said: “Although Croydon has many responsible landlords, there are some who rent out accommodation that is not fit to live in and fail to manage their properties.

“We have listened to the concerns not only of tenants living in poor quality homes but to the many residents in Croydon who are affected by poorly kept accommodation in their streets.

“This council is determined to improve the quality of homes for all and this scheme will provide a range of benefits and drive up standards in the private rental sector.”

Croydon Council cabinet members will be asked to approve a consultation on June 30.