London borough’s selective licensing scheme goes live

Landlords with private-rented single-household properties in a London borough will need a license in a bid, the council says, to root out criminal landlords.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has introduced the selective licensing scheme – which went live on 1 October – for PRS properties with just one household in Woolwich Arsenal, Woolwich Common, Shooters Hill, Plumstead Common and Plumstead Glyndon.

Under the new scheme, the council will be able to check whether individuals are ‘fit and proper’ to be a landlord.

‘Majority of our landlords are trustworthy and compliant’

The council’s cabinet member for community safety and enforcement, Cllr Ann-Marie Cousins, said: “We know that the majority of our landlords are trustworthy and compliant.

“The new selective licensing scheme strengthens our resolve in challenging the minority of landlords imposing unacceptable tenancy agreements and conditions on renters, often leading to the exploitation of vulnerable tenants.

“With 26% of homes rented to private single-household tenants across Royal Greenwich, selective licensing will help us to support the rights of our residents and ensure homes comply with set standards which meet health and safety regulations.”

She added that landlords will also be able to get more support to maintain and improve the condition of private rented homes in the borough.

Introduction of the selective licensing scheme

The council says that the introduction of the selective licensing scheme will ‘crack down on rogue landlords and anti-social behaviour’.

The scheme will also ensure that rented homes are kept at the highest standard they can be – and protect tenants.

The council also makes clear that a range of sanctions against landlords are available. They will be used:

• Where a property should be but has not been licensed
• A licence has been obtained but its conditions are breached.

Sanctions facing a landlord include prosecution or civil penalty fees

The potential sanction facing a landlord include prosecution or civil penalty fees of up to £30,000.

Now, landlords wanting to rent out a property in a designated area must apply for a licence online and it will run for up to five years.

The council has created an online portal for landlords to quickly find out if their property needs a licence.

Early applications until 31 December 2022 will secure a discount and the Council will be holding open events for landlords and agents in The Gallery Woolwich Centre on:

• Thursday 13 October 2022, 6.30pm
• Thursday 10 November, 6.30pm.