London council unveils new selective licensing scheme

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.