London borough’s Selective Licensing scheme approval

A new property licensing scheme has been approved to provide safe and warm housing in Haringey.

The council says that for some rental properties in the east of the borough, landlords will be helped to improve the property’s energy efficiency rating.

There will be ‘support and education’ available for landlords to improve the property and to measure its carbon emissions.

This is aimed, the council claims, at improving fuel poverty for tenants who are a single family or two, unrelated renters.

Selective licensing scheme has been approved

The new licensing scheme has been approved by the Secretary of State and Haringey council says its new Selective Licensing will protect private renters by ensuring landlords take responsibility for maintaining effective and appropriate management of their properties.

The council wants to improve housing conditions across the borough, and the scheme’s introduction will help ensure residents live in safe and warm homes, as well as further support the council’s ambition to tackle inequality.

Now, landlords who let their properties in the east of Haringey to a single family or two unrelated sharers will be required to obtain a licence from the council to legally let the home.

This scheme is in addition to the existing borough-wide licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Licensing scheme will identify properties with the worst energy efficiency ratings

With a specific focus on reducing fuel poverty, the Selective Licensing scheme will help the council identify properties with the worst energy efficiency ratings and provide landlords with the relevant support and education to adapt their properties and effectively measure their carbon emissions.

The council also highlights that those who apply for an ‘early bird’ Selective Licensing application will benefit from a discounted fee.

Landlords will pay £350 per property, instead of £600, should they sign up early.

Cllr Dana Carlin, the council’s cabinet member for house services, private renters and planning, said: “With over 40% of the borough renting from a private landlord, we want to ensure all our residents live in warm and safe homes.

“The Selective Licensing scheme will enable us to work with landlords to improve the quality of the housing stock in the private rented sector and support our private renters.”

She added: “We will take action to ensure that all private rented properties in the designated area are licensed and comply with relevant conditions.”

For landlords, there’s more information about the new Selective Licensing scheme on the council’s website.