News

Redbridge Council announce new selective landlord licensing scheme

Monday, December 19th, 2016 - Redbridge Council

A new selective landlord licensing scheme will come into force in the London Borough of Redbridge on 1 May 2017.

A selective landlord licensing scheme is being introduced to drive up standards and improve the management of private rented accommodation in the Clementswood and Valentines wards in the south of the borough.

The decision to introduce the selective licensing scheme was agreed by the council’s Cabinet on 13 December, following evidence and views gathered during a twelve week extensive consultation exercise which generated more than 900 responses.

Redbridge Council says that the selective licensing scheme will improve standards of accommodation and help protect residents from anti-social behaviour. The scheme will apply to every private rented property that is not already licensed under a mandatory HMO or additional licensing scheme.

The application fee for a five year licence will be £500 per property, with a 50 per cent early bird discount.

Councillor Farah Hussain, Cabinet Member for Housing, Redbridge Council, said:

I am pleased the selective licensing scheme will be introduced to raise housing standards in parts of the Borough where there are high levels of privately rented accommodation.

Although some private landlords provide accommodation that is well-managed, many of them do not, and the properties are of a poor standard which has a negative impact in the tenants, their neighbours and the whole community.

The introduction of selective licensing will make sure private tenants can live in housing that is managed properly and safe to live in.

Second selective licensing scheme under consideration

Redbridge Council are proposing to ask the government for permission to introduce a second selective licensing scheme that would extend the selective licensing scheme to a further 12 wards, listed below:

  • Aldborough
  • Chadwell
  • Churchend
  • Cranbrook
  • Fairlop
  • Goodmayes
  • Loxford
  • Mayfield
  • Newbury
  • Roding
  • Seven Kings
  • Snaresbrook

Subject to approval by the Secretary of State, the council are looking to implement this second selective licensing scheme in September 2017.

If both schemes are implemented, approximately 79 per cent of all private rented homes and 60 per cent of the geographical area of the borough will be included in the licensing schemes.

Failure to obtain a licence will result in enforcement action being taken which could lead to prosecution and a hefty fine.

To acquire a licence, landlords will have to meet certain standards and comply with conditions. These conditions include ensuring their property has a gas safety certificate, working smoke alarms and safe electrical appliances. Landlords will also be required to meet a range of other criteria including resolving anti-social behaviour and making sure properties are of a good standard. Landlords will also have to advise and remind tenants of their responsibilities for the storage and disposal of household waste.

Decision on additional HMO licensing scheme expected soon

Meanwhile, a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme looks set to be introduced in Redbridge in 2017. More information is expected early in the New Year.

The scheme, which would last for 5 years, was approved by the council’s cabinet meeting in June 2015 but has been on hold after the government rejected plans for their borough wide selective licensing scheme (read here).

It is understood that the additional licensing scheme will apply to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), including every property shared by three or more people that are not all related.

For more information about property licensing in the London Borough of Redbridge, visit www.londonpropertylicensing.co.uk/redbridge. We also offer a licence application handling service to help ease the burden for landlords and letting agents and people can sign up to our free newsletter to keep up to date on all the latest news.