Licensing - If the Chancellor Can Get It Wrong – Anyone Can!
Even senior politicians can slip up when it comes to property licensing. So what chance do busy landlords have? Here’s why it’s vital to stay informed, what “reasonable responsibility” really means, and how M&P Estates can help keep you compliant in South Ockendon and Thurrock.
If the person running the country’s finances can make a mistake with her property licensing, what does that tell us? That even the best-intentioned people — with advisers, assistants, and lawyers — can fall foul of the complex, ever-changing rules around property compliance.
This week’s headlines about Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and her licensing issue have reminded many of us just how tricky the private rental sector has become.
And while this isn’t a political story, it’s a practical one, it highlights something every landlord in South Ockendon and Thurrock needs to know: you can delegate the work, but not the responsibility.
Delegation doesn’t remove duty
Landlords often assume that once they’ve appointed an agent, all the legal obligations are automatically taken care of. And to be fair, a good letting agent will do everything possible to make sure that happens: chasing certificates, filing licences, keeping track of expiry dates.
But legally speaking, it’s still the landlord’s name on the property.
That means it’s still your responsibility to make sure your home has:
- A valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
- A current Gas Safety Certificate
- An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
- The correct licence, if your property falls under Thurrock Council’s new selective licensing scheme
You can absolutely ask your agent to handle it all for you, but if something goes wrong, for example, a licence wasn’t submitted, or a certificate has expired, the council will hold you, the landlord, accountable.
The law looks at what’s called the “reasonable person” test, in other words, would a reasonable landlord in your position have known or checked? If the answer is yes, then the responsibility sits firmly with you.
If Rachel Reeves can get caught out…
Let’s face it, if someone in the Cabinet, surrounded by civil servants, can still trip up over licensing rules, what hope do everyday landlords have?
That’s not said in criticism, it’s reality. Property legislation has become extremely complex, with layers of compliance, renewals, and paperwork that change from one borough to the next.
We’ve had several landlords come into the M&P Estates office recently asking for help to get things sorted: checking their properties, creating new compliance folders, and applying for licences ahead of Thurrock Council’s January 2026 deadline.
Some of them were genuinely shocked to find out they even needed a licence at all.
That’s the scary part: many landlords don’t know until it’s too late. And once the law is in place, there’s no grace period. Councils can issue fines of up to £30,000
Why you should act now
If you own a rental property in South Ockendon, Tilbury, Grays, or Chafford Hundred, the new selective licensing scheme affects you. The Council has already opened pre-registration, and the official start date is 5th January 2026.
This means every privately rented property in certain postcodes will need its own licence, and it’s the landlord’s job to make sure it’s applied for.
We know it’s easy to assume your agent is handling it, but don’t take that risk. Check in. Ask for proof. Make sure you’ve seen the confirmation from the Council.
At M&P Estates, we’re already helping our landlords gather the documents needed for their applications: from EPCs and safety certificates to tenant details and property layouts. We’re here to take the stress out of it, but it all starts with you asking the question.
The M&P Estates view
We’re not pointing fingers at anyone, not landlords, not politicians, not the Council. Mistakes happen. But the message is clear: don’t leave your compliance to chance.
Licensing, safety, and certification rules are getting tighter every year. Even good landlords can get caught out if they assume someone else is handling it.
That’s why we believe being a landlord today isn’t just about collecting rent — it’s about running your property like a business. And every successful business starts with good systems, good records, and good advice.
Are your properties licensed and fully compliant?
If the Chancellor can get it wrong, anyone can — but with MP Estates, you don’t have to.
📞 Call 01708 851999
We’ll help you check your property’s licence status, update your certificates, and make sure you’re ready long before the January 2026 deadline.
