The Government's intention is that licensing is aimed at raising management and amenity standards in the rented property sector.  Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in particular are believed by the Government to be poorly managed and  in poor physical condition.
Licensing is intended to raise the standards of such accommodation and will also ensure that landlords are managing their HMOs to the required standards. However some local authorities have admitted privately that they do not know where to start implementing this legislation.