Author: LPL Admin
Your landlord meeting or event could be advertised here – contact us for more information
If you are organising a meeting or event for London landlords then you can reach a wide audiance by getting it listed on the London Property Licensing website. For trade fairs and council or landlord association meetings there is no charge. Yes, it’s completely free! We only charge to advertise […]
read moreEnfield Additional Licensing Scheme starts on 1 September 2025
Date: Monday 1 September 2025 About: A new additional licensing scheme comes into force in the London Borough of Enfield on 1 September 2025. The borough can promote their property licensing scheme here to help everyone understand the requirements. Meanwhile, our free guide with more detailed information about property licensing […]
read moreLLAS & Partners Training, Networking and Summer BBQ – 10 July 2025
Date: Thursday 10 July, 11.30am to 6pm Venue: Taj Hotel, St James Court, 45-54 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF Cost: £100 for accredited landlords / agents, £135 for others About: The London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) invite you to join them for this informative training and networking event. Full details will be announced soon. […]
read moreNational Landlord Investment Show – 9 July 2025
Date: Wednesday 9 July, 8.30am – 5pm Venue: 1 Old Billingsgate Walk, London EC3R 6DX Cost: Free About: Visit the National Landlord Investment Show and get unparalleled advice, meeting leading suppliers, networking and sharing knowledge with your peers. Entry is free, all you have to do is register. More information […]
read moreWandsworth Additional & Selective Licensing Schemes start on 1 July 2025
Date: Tuesday 1 July 2025 About: New additional and selective licensing schemes come into force in the London Borough of Wandsworth on 1 July 2025. The borough can promote their licensing schemes here to help everyone understand more about the schemes and how to apply. Meanwhile, our free guide with […]
read moreWaltham Forest Selective Licensing Scheme starts on 1 May 2025
Date: Thursday 1 May 2025 About: A new selective licensing scheme comes into force in the London Borough of Waltham Forest on 1 May 2025. The borough can promote their licensing scheme here to help everyone understand more about their new licensing scheme. Meanwhile, our free guide with more detailed […]
read moreProperty licensing consultation underway in Havering
Residents across Havering can have their say on proposals that aim to improve and promote the private rental sector by implementing two new property licensing schemes. With private rented housing now making up 19% of the housing stock in Havering, the Council want to improve the condition and quality of […]
read moreLong prison sentence for fraudulent East London letting agent
Five individuals have been hit with a range of sentences in one of the longest and most complex Trading Standards prosecutions in the UK. The five individuals were sentenced over a period of two days on 24 and 25 March 2025 at Southwark Crown Court following their convictions of a […]
read morePlans approved for new additional landlord licensing scheme in Enfield
Enfield Council approved plans for a new five year additional landlord licensing scheme at a Cabinet meeting on 12 March 2025. Enfield’s current additional licensing scheme started on September 2020 and is set to expire on 31 August 2025. Since the additional licensing scheme started in 2020, over 1,200 HMO […]
read moreHounslow Council cracking down on illegal rentals and consulting on licensing scheme renewal
In significant enforcement action, Hounslow Council has successfully prosecuted a resident for illegally renting out an outbuilding after it was discovered being advertised online for £1,300 per month in 2017. Thillakarani Ratnam of 43 Chatsworth Crescent, was fined over £70,000 after a prolonged investigation, led by Hounslow Council’s planning enforcement […]
read moreHavering Additional and Selective Licensing Consultation – 14 April to 6 July 2025
Date: Monday 14 April to 6 July 2025 About: Havering Council has launched a consultation on plans to renew and extend their additional and selective licensing schemes. In Havering, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) need to be licensed if they are occupied by five or more people and fall within the […]
read moreProperty Investor Show – 11 & 12 April 2025
Date: Friday 11 & Saturday 12 April, 10am to 6pm (5pm close on Saturday) Venue: Excel, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL Cost: Free About: The UK’s leading event property expo is the premier exhibition for anyone looking to make money from property investment – in the short or long term. Better still, […]
read moreNational HMO Network Conference and AGM – 10 April 2025
Date: Thursday 10 April, 9.30am to 5.30pm Venue: London Fire Brigade Headquarters, Union Street, London SE1 0LL Cost: £197 About: For over 35 years, National HMO Network have been the leading authority in the HMO sector, representing real people from all areas of the industry, from landlords and agents to enforcement officers and legal experts. Why […]
read moreBarking & Dagenham Selective Licensing Scheme starts on 6 April 2025
Date: Sunday 6 April 2025 About: A new selective licensing scheme comes into force in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham on 6 April 2025. The borough can promote their licensing scheme here to help landlords and letting agents understand more about their scheme and how to apply. Meanwhile, […]
read moreRedbridge Virtual Landlord Forum – 3 April 2025
Date: Thursday 3 April, 7pm – 9pm Venue: Online Cost: Free About: Join us at the next Redbridge Landlord Forum taking place on Thursday 3 April 2025. You can view the agenda here. You can find out more information and register for the event here.
read moreWaltham Forest Additional Licensing Scheme starts on 1 April 2025
Date: Tuesday 1 April 2025 About: A new additional licensing scheme comes into force in the London Borough of Waltham Forest on 1 April 2025. The borough can promote their licensing scheme here to help everyone understand more about their new licensing scheme. Meanwhile, our free guide with more detailed […]
read morePrivate landlords convicted following fatal house fire caused by faulty e-bike battery
Two private landlords have been ordered to pay over £90,000 for renting out their two-bedroom flat to as many as 23 people. Tower Hamlets Council prosecuted Sofina Begum, 52, and Aminur Rahman, 55, who owned the fourth-floor flat in Maddocks House. The property was licensed for three people from two […]
read moreCroydon to resurrect plans for selective landlord licensing scheme
Croydon Council is preparing to reinstate a selective licensing scheme for the private rented sector to protect residents from living in poor conditions and assist in regulating the sector. A selective licensing report was presented to the council’s Cabinet Meeting on 12 February 2025 under the urgent business procedure. This […]
read moreCriminal conviction and substantial fine for unsafe and overcrowded HMO in Edgware
A private landlord has been ordered to pay £37,000 in fines and costs after Barnet Council inspectors found 18 tenants including children and infants, sharing a house in Edgware. The home, in Fairmead Crescent, Edgware, originally built as a three-bedroom linked terraced house had been converted into eight bedsits and […]
read moreKennington landlord receives criminal conviction for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation
A landlord operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Hillingdon Street, Kennington has been found guilty at Croydon Magistrates’ Court and ordered to pay a total of £4,272. Mr Justice Arifa Smart was the owner and landlord of a property in Hillingdon Street, SE17 which was inspected by […]
read moreApplication for Rent Repayment Order unsuccessful as application was out of time
As a member of the HMO team at Freemans Solicitors, I was instructed to represent Rimal Properties Limited in this significant case where I successfully secured the discharge of an application for a Rent Repayment Order. I presented two legal arguments in an appeal before the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) regarding the […]
read moreBrent Council launch consultation on plans to renew additional HMO licensing scheme
Brent residents are being asked to have their say on plans to improve living conditions in private rented homes. An online survey which started on 10 March 2025 invites tenants, landlords, and anyone affected to give their views on Brent Council’s proposals to improve living standards for Houses in Multiple […]
read moreHounslow Additional Licensing Consultation – 12 March to 21 May 2025
Date: Wednesday 12 March to Wednesday 21 May 2025 Hounslow Council are consulting on plans to renew their additional licensing scheme from 12 March to 21 May 2025. The borough can promote their consultation here to help landlords and letting agents understand more about their proposals and how to take […]
read moreBrent Additional Licensing Consultation – 10 March to 10 June 2025
Date: Monday 10 March to 10 June 2025 About: Brent Council has launched a consultation on plans to renew their additional licensing scheme. In Brent, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) need to be licensed if they are occupied by five or more people and fall within the mandatory HMO licensing scheme. […]
read moreSutton Council becomes latest borough to implement HMO planning restrictions
Sutton Council is the latest London Borough to clamp down on new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) by tightening up the planning rules. On 22 February 2024 Sutton Council made a borough wide non-immediate HMO Article 4 Direction that removes the permitted development rights to change a property from a single-family house to […]
read moreHMO crackdown underway in Ealing
Ealing Council are ramping up inspections of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) across the borough in response to concerns raised by residents. The inspections aim to make sure that landlords are complying with regulations and providing tenants with safe, well-maintained homes, while minimising disturbances in the surrounding community. More than […]
read moreHave your say on HMO licensing in Camden
Residents, landlords and service providers are invited to have their say on Camden’s licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Camden Council is reviewing its current additional HMO licensing scheme which aims to improve the safety and management standards of these privately rented properties. HMOs subject to licensing include […]
read moreNew Belvedere selective licensing scheme came into force on 13 January 2025
A new selective licensing scheme in the London Borough of Bexley came into force last week. Under the new licensing scheme, all privately rented properties in the Belvedere council ward need to be licensed unless a statutory exemption applies. Bexley Council has developed a simply online postcode checker so landlords, […]
read moreGovernment have lifted restrictions on implementing large selective licensing schemes
In a decision made just before the Christmas holiday, the government have relaxed the rules for implementing new selective landlord licensing schemes in England as part of their devolution plans. Since April 2015, local authorities have been unable to implement new selective licensing schemes covering over 20% of the local […]
read moreIslington Council launches new landlord licensing consultation to enhance protections for private renters
Islington Council has launched a public consultation to gather views on renewing and expanding its property licensing schemes. These schemes aim to ensure private renters across the borough have safe, high-quality housing and to hold landlords accountable for maintaining their properties. The consultation will focus on two key licensing schemes. Renewing the borough-wide […]
read moreBexley Selective Licensing Scheme started on 13 January 2025
Date: Monday 13 January 2025 About: A new selective licensing scheme came into force in the London Borough of Bexley on 13 January 2025 and will continue for five years. The selective licensing scheme only covers the Belvedere council ward. If you are unsure whether your property falls within the […]
read moreLast chance to participate in Westminster City Council’s selective landlord licensing consultation
Westminster City Council is inviting tenants, landlords, property agents and anyone with experience or an interest in the private rented housing sector to have their say on the council’s proposals to introduce a new property licensing scheme in parts of the city. The scheme, if approved, would extend licensing to […]
read moreBarking & Dagenham Additional Licensing Scheme started on 9 January 2025
Date: Thursday 9 January 2025 About: A new additional licensing scheme came into force in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham on 9 January 2025. The borough can promote their licensing scheme here to help landlords and letting agents understand more about their scheme and find out how to […]
read moreEaling HMO planning restrictions are now in force
As previously reported, on 4 September 2024 Ealing Council’s Planning Committee approved in principle two HMO Article 4 Directions covering most of the borough (read here). As that time, it was unknown when the new planning restrictions would come into force and enquiries to Ealing Council’s press office went unanswered. London […]
read moreSubstantial fine for overcrowded, infested and unlicensed HMO in East Ham
A successful investigation by Newham Council’s Environmental Health Officers has resulted in a £60,000 fine for a landlord who placed families in a dangerously overcrowded property. Thames Magistrates Court has fined managing agent Mr. Ilyas Patel £60,000, with additional costs bringing the total to £63,977.19, after finding him guilty of […]
read moreSubstantial Proceeds of Crime Order for illegal property conversion in Ealing
A Northolt landlord has been ordered to pay more than £280,000 for illegally converting his suburban semi detached house into self-contained flats. On 30 October 2024 at Isleworth Crown Court, Krzysztof Pogwizd, aged 50, of Rasehill Close, Rickmansworth was ordered to pay a confiscation order and fine, totalling more than […]
read moreLambeth Council decides to extend selective licensing across most of the borough
Lambeth Council have decided to implement a second selective licensing scheme to extend selective licensing across most of the borough. First selective licensing scheme already in place On 2 September 2024 Lambeth Council introduced a selective licensing scheme covering the four council wards of Knights Hill, Streatham Common & Vale, […]
read moreEast London letting agents found guilty of multiple illegal trading practices after six month trial
Five individuals and two companies have been convicted of a total of 15 offences following a six-month trial at Southwark Crown Court, following enforcement action by Tower Hamlets Council. This followed an investigation and operation by Tower Hamlets’ trading standards officers into rogue letting agents based within the borough. They […]
read moreBarking and Dagenham’s new additional landlord licensing scheme starting soon
A new borough wide additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) will launch across Barking and Dagenham in the new year following approval at the council’s Cabinet meeting. During a consultation exercise held earlier in the year (read here), 55% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that […]
read moreCamberwell letting agent and landlord ordered to pay over £3,000 for unlicensed property
A Southwark landlord and letting agent have been handed financial penalties for operating an unlicensed private rented property, in a prosecution brought by Southwark Council. Rashidat Adebukola Edekunle-Mohammed, the property owner, and Tunde Coker of Alpha Property Services, were sentenced at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday 14 October after pleading […]
read moreSearch underway for unlicensed private rented homes in Brent
Enforcement officers have begun patrolling the streets in Brent to ensure all private rented homes are correctly licensed. The first street patrol took place six months after selective licensing was extended borough-wide. In Brent, every landlord who rents out a property must ensure it is correctly licensed, except for single […]
read moreSuccessful appeals against HMO licence conditions
When it comes to HMO licensing, I always stress to clients the importance of checking what HMO licence conditions have been imposed. In my opinion, there are only two options guaranteed to achieve compliance. Read and understand all the licence conditions and comply with them in full, or actively challenge […]
read moreSubstantial proceeds of crime order for illegal property conversion in Westminster
Freehold company HAAB Development Limited and company director Sheikh Behaeddin Adil have pleaded guilty for failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice for a property in the Queen’s Park Estate Conservation Area in North Paddington. At the sentencing hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 10 September 2024, HAAB Development Limited […]
read moreNew property licensing consultation underway in Westminster
Westminster City Council is inviting tenants, landlords, property agents and anyone with experience or an interest in the private rented housing sector to have their say on the council’s proposals to introduce a new property licensing scheme in parts of the city. The selective licensing scheme, if approved, would apply […]
read moreIllegal HMO conversion leads to criminal conviction and £18,000 bill for East London landlords
Two landlords who refused to stop using their property as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) despite losing a planning appeal have been found guilty at court. Colin and Susan Woodward purchased the property on Dagenham Road, Dagenham in June 2016. In August 2019, Colin Woodward applied for a HMO […]
read moreNorth London managing agent and company director convicted of multiple HMO offences
An agency in North West London has been found guilty of a series of offences under the Housing Act 2004 at two Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Camden. At Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, London Living Group Limited of Chalk Farm Parade, Adelaide Road, London and its company director, Alvaro […]
read moreGreen light for property licensing scheme renewal in Waltham Forest
At a Cabinet Meeting on 9 July 2024, Waltham Forest Council decided to renew their additional and selective licensing schemes. New additional licensing scheme The council’s existing borough wide additional licensing scheme ends on 31 March 2025. The new scheme designation will come into force on 1 April 2025 and […]
read moreNew HMO planning restrictions have been approved in Ealing – but when do they start?
At Planning Committee on 4 September 2024, Ealing Council approved two HMO Article 4 Directions covering most of the borough. The effect of an HMO Article 4 Direction is to remove permitted development rights to convert a single family home (use class C3) into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) […]
read moreFinancial penalties issued to landlords who breach Kensington & Chelsea’s additional licensing scheme
A private landlord has been fined £5,000 for failing to properly licence their house-share property and comply with licensing conditions. Kensington and Chelsea Council issued a civil penalty under the Housing Act 2004 after an investigation uncovered no licence at all in a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in the […]
read moreSteep rise in Bromley HMO licensing fees
Research by London Property Licensing has identified a steep rise in property licensing fees in the London Borough of Bromley. In late 2023, Bromley Council’s mandatory HMO licensing fee for a five bedroom HMO occupied by five unrelated people was £1,771, with higher fees charged for larger properties. In the […]
read moreUnlicensed and overcrowded HMO leads to criminal conviction and almost £50,000 penalty for Brent landlord
A landlord whose tenants were paying £3,500 to live in an overcrowded house of horrors has been handed fines totalling nearly £50,000. Willesden Magistrates Court ordered Sanjay Patel to pay £49,495 for breaches to the Housing Act at a semi-detached house that he managed in Vivian Avenue, Wembley. The nearly […]
read moreOver 2,850 licence applications received for Islington Council’s selective landlord licensing scheme
Private landlords are being reminded that all rented properties in the council wards of Finsbury Park, Tollington and Hillrise must be licensed under Islington Council’s selective licensing scheme which expanded on 20 May 2024. Islington Council have sent 6,500 letters to property owners informing them about the new licensing scheme […]
read moreCrown Court upholds substantial fine for managing an unlicensed HMO in West Kensington
Two private landlords who rented out a property without an HMO licence have lost their appeal against conviction at Crown Court. The case related to an unlicensed HMO occupied by six tenants in West Kensington. The tenants shared a very small kitchen and the landlords had failed to install adequate […]
read moreOver 2,000 licence applications were approved by Hackney Council after their property licensing schemes had ended
Following a protracted investigation by London Property Licensing we can finally reveal what happened when Hackney Council’s additional and selective licensing schemes ended last year. As reported in August 2024 (read here), we knew Hackney Council continued to process additional and selective landlord licence applications months after their licensing schemes ended. What […]
read moreMerton Council seize control of eighteen private rented homes following landlord’s failure to get them licensed
A private landlord who persistently failed to license their rented properties has had eighteen properties seized by Merton Council. Merton Council told London Property Licensing that the properties seized include Houses in Multiple Occupation and single family lets. Council officers had inspected the properties following complaints from the tenants, including concerns about […]
read moreBarking & Dagenham Council’s selective licensing scheme has ended
The selective landlord licensing scheme implemented in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham has ended after five years. In a notice displayed on the council’s website, it explains the selective licensing scheme ended on 31 August 2024 and that there is currently no requirement to license any private rented […]
read moreNew landlord licensing scheme being launched in Lambeth and new HMO planning restrictions coming soon
Lambeth Council have introduced a new selective licensing scheme that comes into force on 2 September 2024. The new selective licensing scheme covering the four council wards of Knights Hill, Streatham Common & Vale, Streatham Hill East and Streatham St Leonards will remain in force for 5 years. The scheme […]
read moreLondon Borough continued to process landlord licence applications after both licensing schemes had ended
An investigation by London Property Licensing can reveal a local authority continued processing additional and selective landlord licence applications months after their licensing schemes ended. Under Parts 2 and 3 of the Housing Act 2004, local authorities can implement additional and selective licensing schemes for certain private rented homes. These licensing arrangements have […]
read moreHow does HMO licensing apply to purpose-built student accommodation providers?
A recent rent repayment order (“RRO”) tribunal case has again highlighted the importance of purpose-built student accommodation (“PBSA”) providers being aware of their obligations in respect of licensing houses in multiple occupation (“HMOs”). In the decision of LDC (Ferry Lane) GP3 Ltd v Garro & Ors, the Upper Tribunal dismissed the PBSA […]
read moreAdditional and selective licensing consultation underway in Wandsworth
With the private rented sector in Wandsworth now making up 36% of the boroughs housing market, Wandsworth Council is consulting on plans to implement new additional and selective licensing schemes. The Council say this will help to improve the quality of private rented homes and create a fairer environment for […]
read moreEnfield Council launch public consultation on new additional landlord licensing scheme
Enfield Council has launched a public consultation on proposals to renew their property licensing scheme for small, shared Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The council want to hear the views and feedback of residents, tenants, landlords, business owners and anyone else who has an interest in the private rented sector […]
read morePressure is on for landlords to get licensed in Brent
Time is running out for landlords and agents letting out properties in Brent to get licensed. Those who don’t will soon face hefty fines or prosecution. Brent Council is actively enforcing the licensing scheme and searching for unlicensed landlords. Borough-wide licensing in Brent has been the law since April 2024. […]
read moreWhere next for regulation of the private rented sector?
With the general election now behind us, we have a new Labour government with a significant parliamentary majority and a strong mandate for change. Within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (the department has reverted to its old name), the Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP has been appointed […]
read moreHaringey Council cracking down on rogue landlords and agents with another £41,000 civil financial penalties imposed
Haringey Council is cracking down on rogue landlords and agents with another £41,000 civil financial penalties imposed following two recent investigations. Failure to comply with Housing Improvement Notices The owners of a large House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Haringey have been fined £13,500 after failing to resolve multiple hazards […]
read moreBefore imposing a financial penalty or pursuing a banning order against a private landlord, the local authority must serve a valid notice of intent
The precision and clarity of notices of intent (NOIs) served by local authorities is crucial, especially since some defects in the notices can invalidate them while others don’t, leaving landlords uncertain. Contrasting outcomes in two recent cases discussed below demonstrates that if the council wants to punish you for breaches […]
read moreHaringey couple hit with £10,000 penalty for operating an unlicensed HMO
A couple who are portfolio landlords in Haringey have been ordered to pay £10,000 after failing to license their property. An inspection found the property, which was originally a family home, was occupied by seven different households, accommodating nine tenants across three storeys. Properties occupied by five or more people […]
read moreNew landlord licensing scheme being launched in Lewisham
From 1 July 2024, most privately rented properties in Lewisham will need a property licence. With 1 in 4 households in Lewisham renting privately, the new selective licensing scheme will help the Council ensure landlords are providing safe and decent quality homes and fair treatment for renters. The new scheme will […]
read moreIslington Council’s new selective licensing scheme covers 5,000 private rented homes
Over 5,000 privately rented homes in Islington must be licensed to ensure tenants have good quality housing – or their landlords will face prosecution. All private landlords in Finsbury Park, Tollington and Hillrise council wards, where there are particular problems with poor conditions, must apply to get their properties licensed […]
read moreSuspended prison sentence for fraudulent letting agent operating in East London
Two people who traded fraudulently through their business and scammed victims out of over £24,000 were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday 3 May. After a lengthy and protracted investigation into the activities of several letting agencies, the two defendants Sultana Akther of Spencer Road, Rainham and Skeena Noor Rashid […]
read moreIncorrect use of license agreements by Greenwich landlord leads to criminal prosecution
A landlord who was not following correct tenancy management arrangements has been prosecuted and ordered to pay almost £6,000. The Royal Borough of Greenwich successfully prosecuted Mrs Anna Yang, an Essex based landlord. Mrs Yang provided the tenants of her apartment in Charlton, SE London, with misleading licence agreements which […]
read moreHouse illegally converted into flats for the second time costs owner nearly £80,000
A landlady who illegally converted her property into two separate flats and continued to ignore planning enforcement notices issued by Barking and Dagenham Council has been found guilty in court. In 2015 Planning Enforcement Officers from the east London council became aware that a five-bedroom property in Fanshawe Crescent, Dagenham […]
read moreEnfield Council cracking down on property licensing and planning infringements
Two property agents who failed to get their rented properties licensed have been prosecuted by Enfield Council. Guaranteed rent company prosecuted for licensing offence In the first case, Mansur Duzgan, sole director of Guaranteed Rent GD Limited, together with his company have both been prosecuted after failing to obtain a […]
read moreNew selective licensing scheme underway in Redbridge
A new selective landlord licensing scheme came into force in the London Borough of Redbridge today (8 April 2024). The new scheme (designation 4) extends licensing to all private rented properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers in the fifteen council wards of: There was already a […]
read moreGovernment promise review of local authority property licensing schemes
In a letter that was leaked to the media, Jacob Young MP, Minister for Levelling Up has written to all Conservative MPs setting out a range of proposals to ensure the Renters Reform Bill strikes the right balance between delivering security for tenants and fairness for landlords. In the letter, […]
read moreNew property licensing schemes introduced in Brent and Tower Hamlets
New property licensing schemes came into force in the London Boroughs of Brent and Tower Hamlets on 1 April 2024. New selective licensing scheme in Brent A large new selective licensing scheme came into force in the London Borough of Brent on 1 April 2024. Within Brent, it was already […]
read moreCamden Council secures record fine for illegal flat conversion
Camden Council has successfully prosecuted two landlords who failed to comply with a planning enforcement notice issued against substandard flats in 2010. Following an investigation by the Council’s Planning Department between 2009 and 2010, a planning enforcement notice was served on 6 October 2010 and required compliance by 17 May […]
read moreProperty developer ordered to pay over £200,000 for illegal flat conversion in Haringey
A property developer and landlord who illegally converted a Bounds Green property into six flats has been ordered to pay more than £220,000 after Haringey Council successfully prosecuted the company. A previous unlawful change of use into five flats led to Pathfield Estates Ltd being ordered to return the property […]
read moreHarlesden landlord hit with fines and costs totalling £9,000 for putting safety of tenant at risk
A private landlord has been slammed with £9,000 in fines and costs for ignoring notices served by Brent Council to improve his property. Following reports of disrepair from a tenant of the flat in Harlesden, the council inspected the property and uncovered a range of hazards, including ventilation issues and […]
read moreBarking and Dagenham Council has launched a property licensing consultation
Barking & Dagenham Council in east London is inviting residents and private landlords to have their say on the future of property licensing schemes in the borough with the aim of improving the quality of private rented homes. Barking and Dagenham Council’s existing selective licensing scheme has been operating since 2015. Throughout […]
read moreProperty developer who illegally converted Ealing property into flats receives confiscation order exceeding one million pounds
A property developer has been hit with a £1.44million penalty under the Proceeds of Crime Act after he continually broke planning rules and then refused to follow legal orders. Ali Bahbahani, of no fixed address, has been ordered to pay £1,283,444 for converting a home to create flats, including an extension, in […]
read moreWaltham Forest Council are consulting on plans to renew their additional and selective landlord licensing schemes
Waltham Forest Council currently operates two property licensing schemes. The selective licensing scheme is due to end in April 2025 and the additional HMO licensing scheme is due to end in March 2025. With the licensing schemes due to end soon, the council are consulting on proposals to renew both […]
read moreGovernment U-turn on HMO licensing exemption for properties housing asylum seekers
In a significant development, the government have withdrawn draft regulations that would have exempted properties occupied by asylum seekers from the House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing regime. A Judicial Review challenging the lawfulness of the draft Houses in Multiple Occupation (Asylum-Seeker) Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 was due to take […]
read moreUpper Tribunal ruling explores adequacy of reasons for serving landlord civil penalty notices
The Upper Tribunal has provided guidance and advice on the vexed question of how local authorities should comply with their duty to provide reasons when issuing civil penalty notices (“CPNs”) that allege the commission of housing offences [Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council v Wang [2024] UKUT 24 (LC)]. Under s.249A of […]
read moreBexley Council are consulting on plans for a new selective landlord licensing scheme
Bexley Council are inviting residents to have their say about a proposed new selective licensing scheme for private rented properties. In 2018, Bexley Council introduced a selective licensing scheme that extended licensing to all private rented properties in Thamesmead North, Abbey Wood / Lower Belvedere and parts of Erith. That licensing scheme continued […]
read moreNewham Council’s first landlord banning order upheld by Upper Tribunal after landlord’s appeal rejected
Newham Council has won a landmark case against a convicted rogue landlord whose appeal against a Banning Order has been dismissed. The ban means that he is banned from renting out any properties in Newham and the rest of England for three years. Convicted of seven offences under the Housing […]
read moreConfusion hits Southwark Council’s selective licence application system 24 hours before early bird fee discount ends
Landlords racing to complete selective licence applications before the selective licence early bird discount ends on 31 January 2024 are experiencing some issues in Southwark. Twenty four hours before the application deadline, the council have altered how landlords can access the online application system. Whereas the council’s website directs people […]
read moreTower Hamlet Council’s additional licensing scheme being expanded on 1 April 2024
A new additional licensing scheme comes into force in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on 1 April 2024. The council’s current additional licensing scheme started on 1 April 2019 and continues for five years until 31 March 2024. Additional licensing expanding into the west of the borough The current […]
read moreGreenwich Council’s new additional licensing scheme starts on 1 January 2024
A borough wide additional licensing scheme covering all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) comes into force in the Royal Borough of Greenwich on 1 January 2024. The council’s previous additional licensing scheme ended on 30 September 2022. A public consultation on plans for a replacement scheme took place from 13 […]
read moreFinancial penalties for Haringey landlords who ignored HMO licensing requirements
A private landlord in Tottenham has been ordered to refund 12 months’ rent to tenants after failing to license their House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The landlord had ignored an initial warning to get their property licensed. They were ordered to pay a rent repayment order of £20,000 plus a […]
read moreGovernment approves major new landlord licensing scheme in Brent
All landlords renting out properties in Brent will soon be legally required to have a selective licence, except in the council ward of Wembley Park. Brent Council already operates borough wide mandatory HMO and additional licensing schemes together with a selective licensing scheme in the council wards of Dollis Hill, Willesden […]
read moreLambeth Council are consulting on plans for selective licensing across most of the borough
Lambeth is inviting residents to have their say about their proposals to introduce a new selective licensing scheme for private rented property across parts of the borough. The council is upholding its commitment to deliver better standards for private renters, with the launch of a consultation on the proposed selective licensing […]
read moreAdditional licensing consultation underway in Haringey
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 […]
read moreApply now for 30% discount on Southwark Council’s selective licensing fees!
Landlords and agents can get a 30% discount on Southwark Council’s selective licensing fees for a new scheme that started on 1 November 2023. The scheme applies to all private rented properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated people in the council wards of North Walworth, Nunhead & […]
read moreHackney Council’s additional and selective licensing scheme have ended
The additional and selective landlord licensing schemes implemented in Hackney have ended after five years. The council had operated a borough wide additional licensing scheme, combined with a selective licensing scheme covering the council wards of Brownswood, Cazenove and Stoke Newington. In a somewhat chaotic end to the licensing schemes, […]
read moreLatest government updates on regulation of the private rented sector
On 7 September 2023, government published an update on the two-year Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) Review. The HHSRS came into force in April 2006. It replaced the fitness for human habitation standard with a new risk based assessment methodology for addressing the health impacts of poor housing. […]
read moreMerton additional and selective licensing schemes starting soon
New additional and selective licensing schemes are being introduced in the London Borough of Merton on 24 September 2023. Merton Council consulted on proposed new licensing schemes from November 2022 to 22 January 2023 (read here) and the schemes were approved at a Cabinet Meeting on 19 June 2023. Unfortunately, […]
read moreCan landlords return a tenancy deposit by cheque?
There are various reasons why a landlord of residential property might want to give a tenancy deposit back to the tenant. If the landlord wants the tenant to move out, early return of the deposit will help the tenant with getting together cash needed to secure new accommodation. Sometimes it […]
read moreSharp fall in private rental listings means London’s housing pressures going from ‘bad to disastrous’
New research shows a 41% reduction in the number of London properties available for private rent since the Covid-19 pandemic, amid warnings that turbulence and supply constraints in the private rental market is worsening near record levels of homelessness across the capital. The analysis – which represents the most comprehensive […]
read moreLondon landlord: share your views on challenges facing the private rented sector
Propertymark is working with the University of Dundee to understand more about the plans landlords in London have to retain their property investments, increase investment or withdraw from the sector and why. With changes over the past few years, including the Tenant Fees Act, Section 24 tax rules, minimum energy […]
read moreAppeals against the imposition of financial penalties under Housing Act 2004: extensions of time when appeals are submitted late
The Upper Tribunal (“UT”) has allowed an appeal brought by a landlord against a decision of the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (“FTT”) that had refused him an extension of time in which to bring a challenge against a council’s imposition of a £13,250 penalty. In Kazi v. Bradford MDC [2023] […]
read moreExcessive and unjust – Upper Tribunal decision on council’s civil financial penalty policy
This landmark judgement by the Upper Tribunal brings further clarity to how civil financial penalties for HMO licensing offences should be calculated. In March 2022, Leicester City Council imposed a civil financial penalty of £29,817 under section 72(1) of the Housing Act 2004. It was a two storey property containing […]
read moreSpotlight on Haringey Council’s Additional Licensing Scheme
As part of the National Residential Landlord Association’s (NRLA) local government campaigning, a series of audits are being carried out on active discretionary licensing schemes to ensure complete transparency and accountability. The aim of these audits is to assess whether discretionary licensing is an appropriate action to take compared with […]
read moreRent Repayment Orders: why a landlord’s excuse must remain reasonable for the duration of the offence
The Upper Tribunal has imposed a rent repayment order on a landlord despite accepting that he was told by the council that he did not need a licence and that he would later be invited to apply for a licence. The case of Marigold and Ors v Wells [2023] UKUT […]
read moreCost of living crisis set to cause homelessness spike in London
London faces a possible homelessness spike in the coming months due to the cost-of-living crisis and increases in private rents, boroughs have warned. The cross-party group London Councils highlights new analysis showing that fewer than one in ten properties listed for private rent in the capital are affordable to Londoners […]
read morePublic Accounts Committee give their verdict on the private rented sector
In a report published 13 April 2022, Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee says it is “too difficult for renters to realise their legal right to a safe and secure home” and that local authorities – constrained by a lack of support from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) […]
read moreMayor of London announces new funding to train housing enforcement officers
To improve housing standards in the private rented sector, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has announced new funding to train local authority housing enforcement officers. Nearly a fifth of privately rented homes (18 per cent) fail the Government’s Decent Homes standard, although it is not an enforceable standard in […]
read moreNew guidance on lead enforcement responsibility for fire safety in purpose built blocks of flats
New guidance has been published to help assess whether Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) or Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) should take lead enforcement responsibility for fire safety in purpose built blocks of flats. The guidance, published in January 2022, has been developed jointly by the Local Government Association, National Fire […]
read moreTenants are worried about paying their energy bills this winter
With the current fuel crisis seeing an increase in energy prices, ongoing hikes in household bills are proving to be a major concern for millions of households across the country, including private tenants. Almost half of renters surveyed (49%) are worried about how they will pay their bills, with 57% […]
read moreGovernment lacks clear vision and strategy for regulating the private rented sector, says NAO
A pivotal report by the National Audit Office (NAO) published today (10 December 2021), has found that the way private renting is regulated is not effective in ensuring the sector is fair for renters or that housing is safe and secure. Of concern, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and […]
read moreNew safeagent enforcement toolkit helps councils to tackle rogue letting and managing agents
A new letting agent enforcement toolkit has today (29 November 2021) been published by safeagent, the UK’s leading not for profit accreditation scheme for lettings and management agents operating in the private rented sector. According to safeagent, effective enforcement is crucial if we are to stamp out rogue agents in […]
read moreShock as Bromley Councillors approve HMO planning restrictions against planning officer advice
Enquiries by London Property Licensing have uncovered new House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) planning restrictions in the London Borough of Bromley. Whilst the planning restrictions were introduced on 1 September 2021, no press release has yet been issued announcing the changes. HMO Evidence Base presented to Councillors On 20 May […]
read moreCroydon Council to review options after permission for borough wide selective licensing scheme refused
From 2015 to 2020, Croydon Council ran a borough-wide selective licensing scheme covering all private rented homes. As reported by London Property Licensing earlier this year (read here), the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, refused permission for the council to introduce […]
read moreNRLA survey finds less than half of councils have issued any civil penalties in the last three years
Over half of local authorities in England have not issued any civil penalties against rogue or criminal landlords in the last three years according to a new survey by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). Since April 2017 councils across England have been able to issue civil penalties of up […]
read moreTower Hamlets Council vary their selective licensing scheme designation
In May 2021, London Property Licensing reported that a replacement selective licensing scheme had been approved covering the west side of Tower Hamlets. The scheme will come into force on 1 October 2021 to coincide with the ending of the current scheme (read here). Exemption for certain student accommodation blocks […]
read moreGovernment refuse permission for new selective licensing scheme in Croydon
In a dramatic announcement, the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has refused Croydon Council’s application for borough wide selective licensing. The news, shared on the Inside Croydon website, is sure to come as a disappointment for Croydon Council. Croydon Council operated […]
read moreTower Hamlets Council approve new selective licensing scheme with an unusual exemption for some student accommodation
At a Cabinet meeting on 28 April 2021, Tower Hamlets Council approved plans for a replacement selective licensing scheme in the west of the borough. A selective licensing scheme was previously implemented on 1 October 2016 and continues until 30 September 2021. The current scheme extends licensing to all private […]
read morePause routine electrical inspections and new property licensing schemes
To help control the spread of coronavirus, safeagent, the UK’s leading not-for-profit accreditation scheme for lettings and management agents, is calling for a pause in the implementation of new electrical safety regulations, and new property licensing schemes. Although visiting rented properties to prepare licence applications and undertake routine electrical testing […]
read moreMayor of London launches new property licence checker
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today (18 November 2020) launched a new online tool to help private renters discover if their properly has been correctly licensed. The property licensing regime in London has become extremely complicated, with over thirty five additional and selective licensing schemes currently in force […]
read moreSelective landlord licensing scheme in Croydon has ended
A borough wide selective licensing scheme that extended licensing to all private rented homes in the London Borough of Croydon ended on 30 September 2020. When the scheme was introduced in October 2015, Croydon Council said it would help to address significant and persistent problems with anti-social behaviour and poor […]
read moreCan Selective Licence conditions require a landlord to attend a training course?
In March this year the Upper Tribunal considered an appeal brought by a landlord who objected to a condition in a selective licence. The landlord, Mr Berg, argued that Burnley Borough Council had no power to impose a requirement for him to attend training courses under the conditions of a […]
read moreGovernment encourage local authorities to pause new additional and selective licensing schemes
In response to COVID19, new government guidance is encouraging local authorities to pause all additional and selective licensing schemes not yet in force. The guidance was published on 28 March 2020 as part of a wider package of guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities. It reinforces the vital importance […]
read moreFirst-tier Tribunal Property Chamber postpone all London hearings in response to COVID19
In response to the COVID19 crisis, the First-tier Tribunal Property Chamber have issued new Directions that apply to all London cases with effect from 19 March 2020. Regional Tribunal Judge Powell has postponed all listed hearing dates including mediation hearings until after 29 May 2020. The postponement applies to all […]
read moreDelay new property licensing schemes, says safeagent
safeagent, the leading not-for-profit accreditation scheme for lettings and management agents, is calling for new property licensing schemes in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) to be placed on hold to free up resources. In the wake of the Coronavirus, safeagent says licensing schemes not already in force should be delayed […]
read moreConsultation underway on plans to renew property licensing scheme in Croydon
With Croydon’s selective licensing scheme set to end on 30 September 2020, the council have started consulting on plans to extend property licensing for another five years. Since the selective licensing scheme started in 2015, Croydon Council have: The council say that their landlord licensing team have been monitoring private […]
read moreGovernment reject plans to renew selective licensing scheme for 55,000 private rented homes in Liverpool
London Property Licensing understands the government have rejected plans to renew the citywide selective licensing scheme for all private rented homes in Liverpool. The news has been reported today (13 January 2020) on the council’s twitter feed, @lpoolcouncil, with articles also appearing in the Liverpool Express (here) and Liverpool Echo […]
read moreIs the hiring out of property on Airbnb a breach of the lease?
Bermondsey Exchange Freeholders Limited v Ninos Koumetto (as Trustee in Bankruptcy of Kevin Geoghehan Conway) (2018) (Unreported) This was an appeal before HHJ Luba QC on whether the short term letting/commercial hiring of a flat on Airbnb was prohibited by the terms of a lease, and whether the granting of […]
read moreSelective licensing and licence conditions – the Court of Appeal gives a narrow interpretation to local authority powers
The Court of Appeal has recently given guidance about the scope of local authorities’ powers to insert conditions into licences granted under the the selective licensing regime (Part 3, Housing Act 2004 – houses let as separate dwellings). In the Brown v Hyndburn Borough Council case, the local authority had […]
read moreGovernment acts to restrict borough wide licensing
The government have introduced new rules to stop council’s from introducing borough wide selective licensing schemes. On 26 March 2015, Lord Tariq Ahmed of Wimbledon signed a general approval to restrict councils’ ability to implement large selective licensing schemes. Under the general approval, new selective licensing schemes can only be […]
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