More HMO licensing proposed for London as big borough reveals scheme

A major London Borough is proposing another HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) licensing scheme to crack down further on rogue agents and landlords letting out unsuitable property.

Four out of 10 Haringey residents live in the Private Rented Sector and so far landlords who have failed to license their HMO have been issued almost £200,000 in fines.

CONSULTATION

Haringey Council members gave their backing for a further consultation to go ahead earlier this week and say introducing a new scheme will enable the council to take a proactive approach to enforcement against poor property conditions. This includes identifying at-risk properties as well as undertaking inspections.

HMOs allow landlords to rent out their property – many similar to those pictured on the Haringey Ladder – to at least three people who are not from the same household but share facilities like a bathroom and kitchen.

The existing additional HMO Licensing scheme comes to an end in May next year and Haringey wants to ensure residents across the borough have access to a safe, sustainable, and affordable homes.

PROTECTED

Landlords cannot evict tenants from their rented property in order to avoid the Licencing scheme as tenants are also protected from no-fault eviction in unlicensed premises.

Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning, says: ““The new additional HMO scheme will provide a clear regulatory framework to support the many good landlords in Haringey, while giving the council powers to act against rouge landlords.

“Nearly half of Haringey’s population are living in a private rented home, and we estimate that a quarter of these homes are in poor condition.

“This additional scheme will give us the tools we need to improve the condition of homes in the private rented sector. I’d like to encourage as many people as possible to take part.”