Another big council widens HMO licensing scheme
With the backing of ‘locals’ Barking and Dagenham is to extend its licensing scheme to include smaller HMOs plus a re-run of its existing selective scheme.
An ‘additional’ HMO licensing scheme covering smaller properties and a replacement selective licensing scheme for single-household properties will soon be introduced in the London borough of Barking and Dagenham.
It is one of a number of councils that are extending their HMO licensing schemes at the moment.
According to the local authority, it consulted a group of unspecified individuals about their plans before they approved the two schemes, saying 55% either agreed or strongly agreed that all HMOs should be subject to property licensing, regardless of size.
This scheme will allow us to ensure that landlords are providing quality homes for their tenants and also give us the means to tackle rogue landlords.”
The new scheme will cover privately rented, smaller HMOs that house three or four people, which are currently outside the scope of mandatory licensing.
Landlords of those smaller types of HMOs in Barking and Dagenham will then have to ensure they are fully licensed as well as maintaining safe and decent homes.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “I’m really pleased that the additional HMO licensing scheme has been approved, as this will provide reassurance and support for private tenants.
“This scheme will allow us to ensure that landlords are providing quality homes for their tenants and also give us the means to tackle rogue landlords.”
Discounts
There is though a sweetener for affected landlords, as the council is offering discounts of up to £250 off the licence fee for those demonstrating best practices when their properties are inspected during the application process.
