Any Lambeth landlords out there?

Hi, yes, I had to submit 3 licences and haven’t heard back on any. The people at Lambeth council are nice in my experience (even if I don’t agree with their policies), try emailing them or calling if you are concerned.

Sorry I don’t have any concrete answers but there is a list of licensed Lambeth properties here:
https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-09/hmo-licensing-public-register-September-2022.pdf

perhaps you can find your property(s) there..

Also, did you receive an acknowledgement of your application; did they take the money?

I believe that Lambeth Council have a massive backlog in issuing HMO Licences.

We submitted a renewal application for one of our HMO’s back in July and other than an acknowledgement of our application we’ve heard nothing.

Previously they would have been in touch within a few weeks to arrange an inspection etc.

We’ve chased them a few times and have just been told there is a backlog and that in the meantime we are covered in terms of any issues relating to a non licensed property as they are aware the delay is at their end.

I’d suggest making contact with the HMO Licensing Department to confirm your application has been received and is in their system as waiting since January does sound a bit extreme.

Best Regards

Tony

Hi Y,

Yes, I’m in the same situation. This is for the additional licensing scheme implemented December 2021.

The team were very helpful when making the application and taking the initial fee.

Reply to the comment left by Tony Pickard at 27/09/2022 – 11:07
Lambeth have admitted it’s their fault but I have 2 tenants claiming their rent back for the time the flat was unlicensed. Can anyone recommend a legal firm with experience in this field? I’ve given the Tribunal people all the evidence but they haven’t thrown it out …. it’s for more than 15 grand .. Help!

Reply to the comment left by Tony Pickard at 27/09/2022 – 11:07
When you say ‘in the meantime we are covered in terms of any issues relating to a non licensed property’ do you mean that you are able to let the property as a HMO with no risk? I am considering purchasing a 3 bedroom by stockwell tube and converting it to a 4 bed HMO but wasnt sure If I would potentially get stuck letting it to 2 households while I wait for the licence.

Reply to the comment left by Alex O’Farrell at 20/04/2023 – 15:02
Hi Alex, No apologies if I didn’t explain fully, what I meant was that in my situation already having an existing HMO licence that just needs renewing, whilst the application is being processed by Lambeth Council I’m covered.

So whilst technically I don’t have a current HMO licence, the fact that I have applied for a renewal and paid the initial fee, the ball is in the council’s court until such time they get round to assessing my application and inspecting etc. I now have two properties awaiting approval.

I wouldn’t suggest going ahead without seeking council approval, it’s just that you may have to wait a long time to receive a decision. As others have said on this thread Lambeth Council’s HMO department are pretty helpful so I’d suggest contacting them for further guidance.