News

Apply now for Ealing property licence and save 25% on the cost!!

Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 - Ealing Council

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Landlords and letting agents operating in the London Borough of Ealing are being encouraged to apply now and benefit from a 25% discount on property licensing fees, savings themselves hundreds of pounds. The discounted fee is available all for applications submitted between 1 October and 31 December 2016.

In a move that is likely to be welcomed by many, a further £75 discount is available if the landlord or designated property manager has been accredited through a London Rental Standard approved accreditation scheme.

The two new property licensing schemes will come into force in Ealing on 1 January 2017 to help improve standards in the borough’s private rented sector.

Under the additional licensing scheme, certain houses in multiple occupation (HMO) anywhere in the borough will need to be licensed. The scheme will apply to all HMOs that are two or more storeys high and occupied by four or more people who are not all related and share facilities. The scheme will also apply to all HMOs in buildings with mixed commercial and residential use, plus certain so-called ‘section 257 HMOs’ which are buildings converted into self-contained flats.

In addition, the selective licensing will apply to all privately rented homes in Acton Central, East Acton, South Acton, Southall Green and Southall Broadway wards where the council believes this type of licensing will deliver the most benefits to the community.

To obtain a licence for five years, landlords or managing agents will be required to pay a licence fee for each rented property in the designated schemes. The additional licensing fee is £1,100 for each HMO plus £30 for each habitable room and the selective licensing fee is £500. Licences will last for up to five years.

To coincide with the launch of the new licensing schemes, an online application process is now in place.

Once the scheme is in force, failure to obtain a licence can result in a criminal prosecution and an unlimited fine.

Ealing is one of the largest boroughs in London with more than 137,000 residential properties. Of these, around 36,000 are rented from private landlords. Census figures for 2011 showed that private renting increased by nearly 70% over ten years from 2001.

Under the new schemes, a licensed landlord will also have to comply with conditions relating to the management and condition of the property, including gas, electrical, fire safety and other facilities provided. A written tenancy agreement would be required and landlords would be expected to take reasonable steps to address any issues of anti-social behaviour caused by the tenants.

For more information about property licensing in Ealing, you can visit www.londonpropertylicensing.co.uk/ealing or visit the Council’s website. Landlords and letting agents seeking independent advice and support can contact London Property Licensing to discuss your requirements.