News

Waltham Forest selective licensing scheme goes live

Wednesday, April 1st, 2015 -

Landlords and managing agents operating in Waltham Forest need to act now or face possible court action following the roll out of borough wide selective licensing.

The new licensing scheme, which started on 1 April 2015, requires most private landlords to apply for a licence if they want to rent out accommodation in the borough. The council estimate that 26,000 properties will need to be licensed under the five year scheme.

Landlords are being urged to act quickly as the early bird fee of £250 per property is only available until 15 June 2015. After that, the fee will double to £500.

From 1 April 2015, landlords of unlicensed properties will be unable to use a Notice of Seeking Possession under Section 21 Housing Act 1988 to evict their tenants. And there is also the risk of prosecution by the council and an unlimited fine.

More information about Waltham Forest property licensing is available on our borough page, or direct from the Council’s website.