biostudies-literaturePetersen JMedical Research CouncilNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)e065747https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9791445biostudies-literatureUnknown12(12)<h4>Objectives</h4>To assess primary impact of selective Licensing (SL), an area-based intervention in the private rented housing market, on individual self-reported anxiety and neighbourhood mental health (MHI-Mental Healthcare Index) and secondary impacts on antisocial behaviour (ASB), population turnover and self-reported well-being.<h4>Design</h4>Difference-in-difference (DiD) was used to evaluate effects of SL schemes initiated 2012-2018. 921 intervention areas (lower super output areas) were matched 3:1 using propensity scores derived from sociodemographic and housing variables (N=3.684 including controls). Average treatment effect on treated (ATT) was calculated for multiple time period DiD in area-level analyses. Canonical DiD was used for individual-level analysis by year of treatment initiation while adjusting for age, sex, native birth and occupational class.<h4>Setting</h4>Intervention neighbourhoods and control areas in Greater London, UK, 2011-2019.<h4>Participants</h4>We sampled 4474 respondents renting privately in intervention areas (N=17 347 including controls) in Annual Population Survey and obtained area-level MHI population data.<h4>Interventions</h4>Private landlords in SL areas must obtain a licence from the local authority, allow inspection and maintain minimum housing standards.<h4>Results</h4>ATT after 5 years was significantly lower for MHI (-7.5%, 95% CI -5.6% to -8.8%) than controls. Antidepressant treatment days per population reduced by -5.4% (95% CI -3.7% to -7.3), mental health benefit receipt by -9.6% (95% CI -14% to -5.5%) and proportion with depression by -12% (95% CI -7.7% to -16.3%). ASB reduced by -15% (95% CI -21% to -8.2%). Population turnover increased by 26.5% (95% CI 22.1% to 30.8%). Sensitivity analysis suggests overlap with effects of London 2012 Olympic regeneration. No clear patterns were observed for self-reported anxiety.<h4>Conclusions</h4>We found associations between SL and reductions in area-based mental healthcare outcomes and ASB, while population turnover increased. A national evaluation of SL is feasible and necessary.BMJ openImpact of selective licensing schemes for private rental housing on mental health and social outcomes in Greater London, England: a natural experiment study.PMC9791445MR/T032499/1PD-SPH-2015Stewart JBrewerton DCourtin EMarks DPetersen JAlexiou AThompson KCummins SCornelsen LEgan MSeguin MfalseImpact of selective licensing schemes for private rental housing on mental health and social outcomes in Greater London, England: a natural experiment study.<h4>Objectives</h4>To assess primary impact of selective Licensing (SL), an area-based intervention in the private rented housing market, on individual self-reported anxiety and neighbourhood mental health (MHI-Mental Healthcare Index) and secondary impacts on antisocial behaviour (ASB), population turnover and self-reported well-being.<h4>Design</h4>Difference-in-difference (DiD) was used to evaluate effects of SL schemes initiated 2012-2018. 921 intervention areas (lower super output areas) were matched 3:1 using propensity scores derived from sociodemographic and housing variables (N=3.684 including controls). Average treatment effect on treated (ATT) was calculated for multiple time period DiD in area-level analyses. Canonical DiD was used for individual-level analysis by year of treatment initiation while adjusting for age, sex, native birth and occupational class.<h4>Setting</h4>Intervention neighbourhoods and control areas in Greater London, UK, 2011-2019.<h4>Participants</h4>We sampled 4474 respondents renting privately in intervention areas (N=17 347 including controls) in Annual Population Survey and obtained area-level MHI population data.<h4>Interventions</h4>Private landlords in SL areas must obtain a licence from the local authority, allow inspection and maintain minimum housing standards.<h4>Results</h4>ATT after 5 years was significantly lower for MHI (-7.5%, 95% CI -5.6% to -8.8%) than controls. Antidepressant treatment days per population reduced by -5.4% (95% CI -3.7% to -7.3), mental health benefit receipt by -9.6% (95% CI -14% to -5.5%) and proportion with depression by -12% (95% CI -7.7% to -16.3%). ASB reduced by -15% (95% CI -21% to -8.2%). Population turnover increased by 26.5% (95% CI 22.1% to 30.8%). Sensitivity analysis suggests overlap with effects of London 2012 Olympic regeneration. No clear patterns were observed for self-reported anxiety.<h4>Conclusions</h4>We found associations between SL and reductions in area-based mental healthcare outcomes and ASB, while population turnover increased. A national evaluation of SL is feasible and necessary.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Dec2024-11-13T02:23:51.503Z2024-11-13T02:23:51.503ZS-EPMC97914453656411010.1136/bmjopen-2022-065747