Additional licensing consultation underway in Haringey

Friday, December 15th, 2023 - Haringey Council

Residents across Haringey are invited to give their thoughts on a new proposed additional HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) licensing scheme which will support measures to improve the private rented sector. 

Haringey Council have taken a robust approach by using enforcement powers against landlords who have failed to license under the current HMO licensing schemes. Using additional HMO licensing powers, council officers have been able to proactively tackle properties in poor conditions as well as identify properties at risk through the scheme’s inspection programme. This important work will continue should a new additional HMO licensing scheme be approved. 

With the existing additional HMO Licensing scheme designation coming to an end in May 2024, the new proposed scheme will enable Haringey Council to fulfil their commitment of ensuring residents across the borough have access to a safe and sustainable homes.  

If approved, HMOs will require an additional licence if they are rented to at least three people who are not from the same household but share facilities such as a bathroom and kitchen. In addition, properties converted into self-contained flats that do not meet building regulations would also be considered as an HMO and will need a licence. 

Cllr Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning, Haringey Council said: 

“All our residents deserve to live in a safe and well-maintained home. Nearly half of Haringey’s population privately rent their home, and we estimate that a quarter of these homes are in poor condition. We have many great landlords here in Haringey, but it’s important that the council uses all its regulatory powers to act against rogue landlords. The proposed additional HMO license will protect tenants by giving the council the tools to improve the conditions of those living in privately rented homes in the borough.   

“I’d like to encourage all tenants, landlords, local businesses and members of the public to help us shape the future of local housing by giving your feedback on our new proposed additional HMO licence.”  

With around 40% of residents living in the Private Rented Sector across the borough, HMOs are a much needed and affordable option for accommodation. 

At present, all HMOs in Haringey are now subject to licensing, either under the extended mandatory licensing or under the borough-wide additional licensing scheme. To date, fines amounting to over £250,000.00 have been issued to landlords who have failed to license their houses in multiple occupation (HMO). The additional licensing consultation ends on Monday 12th February 2024. You can find out more and take part on the consultation on the council’s website.

Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in the London Borough of Southwark is available here.

For all the latest news and events, you can sign up for the free London Property Licensing newsletter here.