London council unveils new selective licensing scheme

London council unveils new selective licensing scheme

9:56 AM, 7th December 2023, About A year ago 8

Text Size

The government has approved a new selective licensing scheme for a London council – one of the largest schemes in the country.

Brent council has announced that it will launch its licensing scheme for homes in the private rented sector next Spring, and it will cover all rented properties in the borough – except those in Wembley Park.

The council says the scheme aims to improve the quality and safety of private rented accommodation and to support good landlords and agents.

The scheme will also, it says, help to identify and act against criminal landlords who exploit tenants and breach housing regulations.

Half of all residents live in private rented accommodation

According to the council, half of all Brent residents live in private rented accommodation and the scheme will offer them more security and protection.

It also says the scheme will provide landlords and agents with clear guidance on their responsibilities and obligations.

Councillor Promise Knight, the council’s cabinet member for housing, homelessness and renters’ security, welcomed the approval of the scheme.

She said: “We are delighted that our proposal has been approved. It will be one of the largest selective licensing schemes in London.

“It’s a major win for both renters and landlords. The scheme will massively improve the standard of living for private renters who make up half of all Brent residents.”

‘Introduction of selective licensing across Brent’

She continued: “At a time when housing is at a crisis point across London, the introduction of selective licensing across Brent, with the exception of Wembley Park, will offer renters the assurance of security and safety when it comes their home.

“Brent will continue to work in partnership with good professional landlords but has a zero-tolerance approach towards rogue landlords.

“Any rogue landlords in Brent should be on notice that this expansion means that there will be nowhere in Brent for them to hide.”

Strong track record of enforcing housing standards

Brent council also says it has a strong track record of enforcing housing standards and prosecuting criminal landlords.

Earlier this year, the council issued its first banning order against a landlord, preventing him from letting houses in England for five years.

Brent has also licenced more homes of multiple occupation (HMO) than any other London borough and has one of the most proactive enforcement teams in the capital.

Wembley Park will be exempt from the licensing scheme as it is currently the only ward in the borough where the number of disrepairs in private rentals does not meet the threshold set by the government.

The council said it will announce further details on how to apply for a licence in the New Year.


Share This Article


Comments

Reluctant Landlord

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

11:20 AM, 7th December 2023, About A year ago

The last good PRS landlord in Brent, just slam the door on the way out.....

Easy rider

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

11:32 AM, 7th December 2023, About A year ago

Selective Licensing has a smaller impact in London and other areas where rents are high. Landlords can either absorb the costs or just add the costs to the rent.

I have one 3 bed that I let at £400 per month. SL costs would definitely be added to the rent and in full.

Reluctant Landlord

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

11:53 AM, 7th December 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Easy rider at 07/12/2023 - 11:32
not always about paying it though is it. Its about the agenda behind it! Good LLs are low hanging fruit....

DPT

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

11:58 AM, 7th December 2023, About A year ago

And of course Wembley Park is exempted because its where all the new build-to-rent blocks have been built and the Council gets huge kick-backs from the developers.

Easy rider

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

17:59 PM, 7th December 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by David at 07/12/2023 - 11:58
I think we all know that SL is a money-making scam.

I don’t know if Labour controlled or Conservative controlled councils are more likely to introduce SL. I’d expect it to be Labour.

Councils rarely do anything with the money that is positive for tenants. It does increase the rents that tenants need to pay.

https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/14-people-in-a-two-up-two-down-criticism-of-rotherhams-selective-licensing-houses-4434549

Michael Booth

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

5:55 AM, 8th December 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Easy rider at 07/12/2023 - 11:32
You have a property for £400 a month in Brent?

Michael Booth

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

6:01 AM, 8th December 2023, About A year ago

Selective licencing being introduced.in my area , l for one will be increasing rents accordingly to cover these cost Tennants have been informed and ain't too pleased told them to speak to the council about it , one major landlord has said they are calling it a day all properties with a estate agency has l speak £150 k per annum full portfolio up now for £1.1 million that's how serious things are.

Lomondhomes

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

1:14 AM, 9th December 2023, About A year ago

They are determined to make those with homes homeless or push up their rents considerably

Leave Comments

In order to post comments you will need to Sign In or Sign Up for a FREE Membership

or

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Landlord Automated Assistant Read More