A London council is introducing a new HMO licensing scheme for the next five years.
It means that landlords with HMOs – properties where three or four people from different households live together and share facilities – will need to get a licence.
The aim of this scheme is (in the council’s words) “to improve the quality and management of shared housing in Enfield, ensuring that private renters have safe and well-run homes.”
It will work alongside the existing mandatory HMO licensing system.
Since an earlier version of the scheme came into effect in 2020 some 1,200 HMO licence applications have been received, with more than 1,100 licences granted.
Before a licence is granted, the Council inspects every HMO. The inspections showed that 70% of the properties needed help to meet safety and housing standards, including issues like fire and electrical safety, damp, and overcrowding.
Enfield council has also served over 350 legal notices and taken action against 13 landlords for licensing and housing rule violations. They’ve also imposed fines to tackle poor property conditions and management.
A council spokesperson says: “Everyone deserves a safe and decent home. Renewing the HMO Licensing Scheme is a key step in continuing to improve housing standards in Enfield.
“Licensing makes sure landlords are responsible for their properties, and that tenants have secure, well-managed homes. This scheme will help us keep up the progress we’ve made in the past five years, protecting tenants and the wider community.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today