Another London council targets landlords

Another London council targets landlords

0:01 AM, 14th March 2025, About a month ago 2

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A London council has unveiled plans to reinstate licensing targeting ‘rogue landlords’ operating houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs).

The local authority is cracking down on properties deemed ‘substandard and potentially dangerous’.

The online consultation follows news this week that Haringey council will be targeting landlords who breach regulations with £30,000 fines per violation.

Now Brent council intends to revive a licensing scheme which ended in January that saw 2,500 smaller HMOs being licensed.

‘Additional HMO licensing scheme is necessary’

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Brent’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Over the past 20 years, the number of privately rented homes in Brent has grown, and now makes up almost half of all homes in the borough.

“We want to make sure these homes are safe and good quality for tenants.”

She added: “While we have seen significant improvements, we believe that another additional HMO licensing scheme is necessary to maintain and improve the management of HMOs in Brent.

“We want to encourage residents to give their opinions on these new proposals for HMOs.”

HMOs with three or more occupants

Currently, a mandatory licence is required for HMOs in Brent housing five or more individuals from at least two households.

The proposed license extension will include HMOs with three or more occupants from multiple households, including bedsits.

Housing officers will be empowered to carry out inspections and enforce compliance.

The scheme is slated for implementation this autumn and the online consultation runs until 26 May.

Second homeowners also targeted

Meanwhile, Brent is also reminding residents that from 1 April, a new Council Tax premium targeting owners of second homes within the borough will begin.

It points to the area’s housing crisis which is placing strain on families.

The new charge aims to motivate property owners to return underused homes to full-time occupancy.

It will align with the premium introduced in 2024 for properties vacant for more than a year, representing the maximum increase allowed under current laws.

Those who will be required to pay the premium are those whose second home is:

  • A holiday home
  • Used for personal convenience
  • A second home between tenancies.

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TheMaluka

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12:13 PM, 14th March 2025, About a month ago

Did the carrot crop in Brent fail?

Cider Drinker

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14:21 PM, 14th March 2025, About a month ago

We should find a way to return property to full time occupancy that doesn’t help the population crisis.

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