Category: News
Shock 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 moreProceeds of crime order for Southall landlord following HMO planning breach
A married couple who are landlords from Southall have been ordered to pay over £290,000 after they failed to comply with a planning enforcement notice issued by Ealing Council. This follows a similar case reported last month where another Ealing landlord was ordered to pay over quarter of a million […]
read moreHayes landlord ordered to stop using storage building as ‘cramped’ living space
A planning inspector has ordered a private landlord in Hayes to comply with enforcement notices issued by Hillingdon Council, after being found to be illegally renting two properties. The enforcement notices were served in October 2020 at 15a and 15b Station Road after Hillingdon Council investigators found breaches of planning […]
read morePrivate landlords invited to participate in local authority energy efficiency survey
In a welcome move, private landlords and agents are being encouraged to share their views about compliance with minimum energy efficiency requirements (survey here). At present, it is a requirement for all private rented properties to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating of A to E. Properties […]
read moreEaling landlord must pay £244k before Christmas or face thirty months in prison
A Greenford landlord has been ordered to pay almost £275,000 for failing to comply with an existing planning enforcement notice regarding planning issues at a property in Beechwood Avenue. Mrs Anja Bawa of Ferrymead Avenue was served an enforcement notice in February 2016 by officers from Ealing Council’s planning enforcement […]
read moreWaltham Forest ‘Rent to rent’ landlord hit with massive fine after five-year case
A pair of landlords who ran rent-to-rent scams across Waltham Forest have been fined £187,000 in a landmark ruling after a four-year legal battle including two judicial reviews. The fines – among the largest in the country – were imposed at a sentencing hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on 29 […]
read moreWembley landlord ordered to pay £144,000 for renting out illegally converted properties
The landlord of two properties in Wembley has been ordered to pay £144,000 for illegally converting properties into multiple rented units without planning permission. Ms Orofena St. John, built a number of extensions onto a family house in Clarendon Gardens, Wembley and converted the property into seven flats and two […]
read moreShock as Westminster City Council ‘partially revoke’ their additional licensing scheme after just one month
In a surprise move, Westminster City Council has decided to ‘partially revoke’ their borough wide additional licensing scheme that was launched on 30 August 2021. The changes to their property licensing scheme came into force today (1 October 2021). Before deciding to implement a borough wide additional licensing scheme, Westminster […]
read moreLambeth Council’s additional licensing scheme comes into force on 9 December 2021
A borough wide additional licensing scheme covering all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Lambeth comes into force on 9 December 2021. The council estimate the scheme will cover around 5,000 HMOs, including house and flat shares, bedsits, and some buildings converted into flats. Smaller house and flat shares will […]
read moreSubstantial rise in HMO licensing fees in Hillingdon
Research by London Property Licensing has found a substantial rise in HMO licensing fees in the London Borough of Hillingdon, with the biggest impact on landlords renewing an existing licence. For licence applications submitted before 1 April 2021, the HMO licence application fee was £980. Landlords renewing an existing HMO […]
read moreStill no decision on plans for selective licensing in Greenwich
During 2020, Greenwich Council consulted on plans for a selective licensing scheme covering all private rented homes in the Woolwich Common, Glyndon, Woolwich Riverside, Shooters Hill and Plumstead council wards. The consultation originally started in February 2020 but was paused the following month due to the deteriorating coronavirus pandemic (read […]
read moreGo Green’ grant assistance for Redbridge landlords
Redbridge Council have written to property licence holders offering grant assistance to upgrade the energy efficiency of their private rented properties. It is an offence to let out a private rented home with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G, unless a statutory exemption applies. It is […]
read moreEnfield selective licensing scheme came into force on 1 September 2021
Enfield Council’s new selective licensing scheme designed to make private renting fairer, and protect renters’ rights by improving housing conditions, tackling factors that make deprivation worse and addressing anti-social behaviour came into force on 1 September 2021. The selective licensing scheme covers an estimated 23,000 properties that are privately rented […]
read moreWestminster City Council’s additional licensing scheme comes into force on 30 August 2021
A borough wide additional licensing scheme covering all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Westminster comes into force on 30 August 2021. The council estimate the scheme will cover around 9,000 HMOs, including house and flat shares, bedsits, and some buildings converted into flats. Smaller house and flat shares will […]
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 moreHave your say on plans for new property licensing schemes in Barnet
Barnet Council has launched a public consultation on plans to introduce two new property licensing schemes. From 5 July 2016 to 4 July 2021, Barnet Council operated a borough wide additional licensing scheme. The licence scheme applied to most Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) occupied by four or more people […]
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 moreSubstantial fine for landlord of unlicensed HMO in Kensal Green
A private landlord operating an unlicensed and overcrowded property in Kensal Green was recently hit with a fine of more than £21,000 by Willesden Magistrates’ Court. The property was the subject of numerous complaints from neighbours concerning anti-social behaviour at the unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation in Holland Road NW10. […]
read moreHackney car wash landlord fined after putting tenants lives at risk
A private landlord who allowed vulnerable tenants to live in appalling conditions without windows, proper washing facilities or fire safety measures at a converted car garage has received a criminal conviction and a near £10,000 court fine following an investigation by Hackney Council. Thames Magistrates Court heard how Mehmet Gurcuoglu, […]
read moreCamden secures first injunction against private landlord to stop illegal eviction of tenants
Camden Council has become the first local authority to secure an anti-social behaviour injunction against a private landlord in order to protect private tenants from illegal eviction and harassment. The Council secured the injunction against Mohammed Ali Abbas Rasool, 29, of Manor House Drive NW6 7DF, at The Royal Courts […]
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 moreTwo property licensing schemes starting soon in Harrow
Two new property licensing schemes will be starting soon in the London Borough of Harrow. Harrow Additional Licensing Scheme At a Cabinet meeting on 29 April 2021, Harrow Council approved plans for a borough wide additional licensing scheme that will extend licensing to all Houses in Multiple Occupation. The previous […]
read moreBarking & Dagenham landlords ordered to pay over £250,000 in civil penalties
Fines totalling more than a quarter of a million pounds were issued to private landlords in Barking and Dagenham last year. Offences included failing to have a licence, ignoring enforcement notices, and operating illegal houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Barking & Dagenham Council operates borough wide mandatory HMO and selective […]
read moreAdditional licensing in Barnet has ended, but new consultation coming soon
An additional licensing scheme that covered most Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the London Borough of Barnet ended on 4 July 2021. The borough wide scheme, which started on 5 July 2016, had extended licensing to most HMOs occupied by four or more people, plus some section 257 HMOs. […]
read moreTsunami of licensing announcements for London’s private rented sector
A tsunami of licensing announcements has engulfed London’s private rented sector, adding to the regulatory complexity and challenge facing the lettings industry. Licensing Consultations On Monday 28 June, a property licensing consultation ended in the London Borough of Southwark. Their previous licensing schemes ended on 31 December 2021. The council […]
read moreSelective licensing consultation underway in Haringey
Haringey Council have launched a public consultation on plans for a new selective landlord licensing scheme. Since 27 May 2019, the council has operated a borough wide additional licensing scheme covering all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that were not already licensable under the mandatory HMO licensing scheme. That scheme […]
read moreMitcham landlord prosecuted for operating unlicensed HMO with inadequate fire precautions
Merton Council has successfully prosecuted a Mitcham landlord for renting out an unauthorised and unsafe House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). At a hearing in Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court on 4 May, Daniella Mbachu, who owns property in Hill Road in Mitcham, was found guilty of failing to apply for an […]
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 moreProperty licensing consultation underway in Hammersmith and Fulham
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has launched a public consultation on plans for new property licensing schemes. Since 5 June 2017, the council has operated a borough wide additional licensing scheme plus a selective licensing scheme covering part of the borough. The current schemes end on 4 June 2022. The existing […]
read moreCamden property agents banned from operating in the private rented sector
Camden Council has secured banning orders against rogue property agents who were previously fined over £70,000 for letting an unlicensed and unsafe home in King’s Cross. Simple Properties Management Ltd and the company’s Director, Miguel Cabeo Cespedes, 50, of Windsor Ave, SW19, were given banning orders prohibiting them from letting […]
read moreHave your say on plans for new property licensing schemes in Ealing
Ealing Council has launched a public consultation on plans for new property licensing schemes to make private renting in the borough safer and better. Since 1 January 2017, the council has operated a borough wide additional licensing scheme plus a selective licensing scheme covering part of the borough. The additional […]
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 moreRichmond landlord prosecuted for breach of Prohibition Order
A private landlord has recently been prosecuted by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames after failing to comply with a Prohibition Order served on their private rented flat. The Council’s Private Sector Housing Team acted against East Sheen Estates Limited after responding to complaints of poor housing conditions in […]
read moreRoyal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea consulting on plans for new landlord licensing scheme
The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea has launched a public consultation on plans to implement an additional landlord licensing scheme. Since 2006, the council has only operated the mandatory HMO licensing scheme which is restricted to most Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) occupied by five or more people. According […]
read moreCriminal Behaviour Order issued to Dagenham landlord
Two landlords of a property in Dagenham have been ordered to pay costs and fines totalling £61,057.05 after they were prosecuted for multiple housing offences. Mr John Renvoize and Mr Dedar Shah, owners of a seven bed property on Third Avenue in Dagenham, were ordered to pay the fines following […]
read moreFailure to apply for HMO licence results in prosecution for two Hammersmith & Fulham landlords
Two private landlords have been convicted after pleading guilty to renting out shared houses without the correct licence. In both cases, the breaches were discovered after tenants reported problems with their accommodation to the council. The owner of a property in Rosaline Road, off Munster Road in Fulham, was fined […]
read moreSouthwark Council consulting on plans for new additional and selective licensing schemes
Southwark Council has launched a public consultation on plans to implement new additional and selective landlord licensing schemes. The previous licensing schemes were introduced on 1 January 2016 and operated for five years. Both schemes ended on 31 December 2020 (read here). According to Southwark Council, the new licensing schemes […]
read moreLandlord ordered to pay nearly three quarters of a million pounds for renting out illegally converted properties in Willesden
A Crown Court judge has ordered a private landlord to pay back £739,263.58 in illicit earnings made from overcrowded properties in Willesden. It is believed to be the largest such order for a planning breach made anywhere in the country so far this year. The court order was made against […]
read moreDerelict warehouse in Brent transformed into new homes for local people
A derelict warehouse has been transformed into state-of-the-art homes for Brent residents with the help of a grant from the council’s empty property team. Narayan Mews in Willesden now boasts 13 new houses with top quality facilities and furnishings, which will soon be home to local people who would otherwise […]
read moreHHSRS national survey launched today: have your say!
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) was developed in the 1990s and has been in place for approximately 15 years. In that time, building technology and knowledge about risks and hazards in buildings have advanced. The HHSRS is a tool for assessing risk relating to health and safety […]
read moreCourt imposes substantial fine on two Waltham Forest landlords
Two Waltham Forest landlords have been given fines totalling £135,000, excluding additional costs and surcharges, for failing to maintain their privately rented homes and failing to license their properties. At a hearing at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Monday 1 February 2021, Mr Mohammed Bhatti, aka Mohammed Muqeem Amin, 70, sole […]
read moreHarrow Council consulting on plans to renew additional and selective licensing schemes
Harrow Council is consulting on plans to renew their selective licensing scheme that was introduced in the Wealdstone ward in June 2016. The current scheme ends on 31 May 2021. Harrow Council is also consulting on plans to renew their borough wide additional licensing scheme. The current scheme was introduced […]
read moreNew selective licensing scheme given the green light in Edgware
At a Cabinet meeting on 21 January 2021, Harrow Council approved plans for a replacement selective licensing scheme in the Edgware council ward. A selective licensing scheme was previously implemented in the Edgware ward on 7 December 2015. The scheme ran for five years and ended on 6 December 2020. […]
read moreHackney landlords fined £22,000 for letting out unlicensed and unsafe property
Rogue landlords who illegally let a Clapton property without providing proper washing facilities or tackling serious fire hazards have been fined after a Hackney Council prosecution. Landlords Ella Louise Hill and Tyrone Bhahari Jnr were fined more than £22,000 after letting out the property on Durrington Road E5, without following […]
read moreTower Hamlets landlords fined for breaching prohibition order on unsafe property
Two men have been ordered to pay almost £8,000 for renting out flats in a property in East Mount Street, E1, in defiance of regulations designed to keep tenants safe. A Prohibition Order came into force in September 2015 prohibiting the East Mount Street premises from being used for residential […]
read moreStill time to take part in Lambeth Council’s additional licensing consultation
A public consultation on plans to implement an additional HMO licensing scheme in Lambeth started on 18 December 2020 and continues until Friday 12 March 2021. As part of the consultation exercise, the council have published an 82 page report explaining the background to the proposal and giving more information […]
read moreIslington additional and selective licensing schemes started on 1 February 2021
New additional and selective landlord licensing schemes came into force in the London Borough of Islington on 1 February 2021. The new licensing schemes were approved at Islington Council’s executive meeting on 19 March 2020 but scheme implementation was delayed due to the pandemic. The council previously operated a small […]
read moreWestminster City Council extend their additional licensing consultation
On 19 November 2020, Westminster City Council launched a public consultation on plans to implement an additional licensing scheme for all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The consultation was due to run until 11 February 2021 (read here). On 28 January 2021, Landlord Licensing and Defence highlighted that the link […]
read moreCroydon landlord prosecuted for breaching prohibition order after tenant found living in a converted bank vault
A landlord who let out a former bank vault as an illegal and dangerous flat has been ordered to pay over £9,400 and will be added to a London list of rogue landlords after being convicted of housing offences. At Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 15 January, District Judge Nigel […]
read moreHavering additional and selective licensing schemes started on 25 January 2021
New additional and selective landlord licensing schemes came into force in the London Borough of Havering on 25 January 2021. The new licensing schemes were approved at Havering Council’s cabinet meeting on 14 October 2020. Whilst landlords were offered a 50% fee discount for selective licence applications during the early […]
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 moreSouthwark Council’s additional and selective landlord licensing schemes have ended
Additional and selective licensing schemes in the London Borough of Southwark ended on 31 December 2020. The two licensing schemes came into force on 1 January 2016 and have been in force for the last five years. The additional licensing scheme extended licensing to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) […]
read moreWestminster City Council consult on plans to license all Houses in Multiple Occupation
Westminster City Council have launched a public consultation on plans to implement an additional licensing scheme for all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough. The proposed scheme would extend licensing to an estimated 9,000 HMOs. This would include house and flat shares, bedsits, and certain buildings converted into […]
read moreHarrow Council’s selective licensing scheme in Edgware has ended
A selective licensing scheme that applied to all private rented properties in Harrow Council’s Edgware ward has ended today (6 December 2020). The five year licensing scheme came into force on 7 December 2015 and was the first of three selective licensing schemes implemented in the borough. The other two […]
read moreApply now for 50% discount on Havering selective landlord licensing fees
Private landlords who act quickly and submit a selective licence application to the London Borough of Havering by 24 January 2021 are being offered a 50% discount, London Property Licensing can reveal. On 14 October 2020, Havering Council’s cabinet agreed to implement new additional and selective licensing schemes covering part […]
read moreHarrow Council decide to rerun their additional licensing consultation
Research by independent housing consultancy London Property Licensing has discovered an additional licensing consultation recently undertaken by Harrow Council. The council’s existing borough wide additional licensing scheme, which applies to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), ends on 28 February 2021. Before a replacement licensing scheme can be introduced, there […]
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 moreCrooked letting agents ordered to pay almost £100,000 in compensation following complex investigation by Islington Trading Standards
Three letting agents who kept tenants’ rent payments instead of passing them on to the landlords have been ordered to pay almost £100,000 in compensation to their victims, marking the end of a long-running and complex investigation by Islington Council. The men, who also failed to refund deposits to private […]
read moreBrent Council drop plans for borough wide HMO planning restrictions
In an unexpected development, research by London Property Licensing has identified a planning policy reversal by the London Borough of Brent. On 21 October 2019, Brent Council made a non-immediate House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights to convert a property from a single […]
read moreTower Hamlets Council consulting on plans to renew their selective licensing scheme
Tower Hamlets Council is consulting on plans to renew their selective licensing scheme that was introduced in the west of the borough in October 2016. The current scheme is due to end on 30 September 2021. The council currently operates three property licensing schemes. In addition to the mandatory HMO […]
read moreIslington landlords fined £110,500 after housing tenants in dangerous and overcrowded conditions
Two landlords have been fined a total of £110,500 after being convicted of managing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with dangerous and sub-standard conditions, in a successful prosecution by Islington Council. Environmental Health Officers discovered a total of 35 breaches of the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations at […]
read moreSouthall landlord who breached planning rules ordered to pay £300,000 or face imprisonment
A landlord from Southall who ignored six enforcement notices served by Ealing Council has been ordered to pay more than £300,000. On 23 September 2020, Salim Mussa Patel of Norwood Road, Southall appeared at Isleworth Crown Court for ignoring a total of six planning enforcement notices served on properties that […]
read moreTooting rent to rent landlord faces prison sentence if he breaches banning order
A rogue landlord who unlawfully rented out cramped and overcrowded bedsits and then bullied and harassed the tenants when they complained about the conditions, has been fined thousands of pounds and warned he’ll go straight to jail if he tries to rent out other properties. Balazs Stalter was prosecuted by […]
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 moreWestminster launches consultation on draft strategy to raise standards for tenants
A new draft strategy has been launched by Westminster City Council to help protect tenants who rent privately and ensure they live in good quality and well managed properties. Westminster has the largest number of private rented properties in England with around 52,700 properties rented privately. This is 43% of […]
read moreIslington Council’s additional landlord licensing scheme has ended after five years
An additional licensing scheme implemented by the London Borough of Islington in 2015 has ended after five years. The additional licensing scheme applied to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Caledonian Road and Holloway Road and came into force on 1 September 2015. These licensing schemes cannot last for […]
read moreEnfield additional landlord licensing scheme comes into force today
A new additional licensing scheme which includes most Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the London Borough of Enfield has come into force today (1 September 2020). The council had wanted to implement a selective licensing scheme at the same time although it is understood that scheme has been delayed. […]
read moreNew additional licensing scheme starts in Camden on 8 December 2020
Following a public consultation earlier this year (read here), Camden Council’s Cabinet have approved plans to renew their additional landlord licensing scheme. The current additional licensing scheme came into force on 8 December 2015 and ends on 8 December 2020. According to the council, 3,400 properties have been inspected and […]
read moreFinancial penalties of over £34,000 upheld following appeals by two Ilford landlords
Two east London landlords have been stung with civil penalties of more than £34,000 for operating unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) and breaching the HMO Management Regulations. Both cases were heard at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in central London after the landlords appealed against financial penalties imposed by […]
read moreGreenwich Council resume their selective licensing consultation
A consultation seeking views on a proposed selective licensing scheme in the Royal Borough of Greenwich resumed on 23 July 2020. The consultation originally started on 17 February 2020 and was set to run until 26 April 2020. However, as reported by London Property Licensing, the consultation was paused due […]
read moreBarnet landlords and their letting agents fined £26,500 for rat and cockroach infested unlicensed HMO
Two Barnet private landlords and their lettings agents will have to pay tens of thousands of pounds after allowing their tenants’ home to become infested with rats and cockroaches. Barnet Council’s enforcement officers found that the property in Highfield Avenue, Golders Green, had not been licensed as a House in […]
read moreFailure to apply for an HMO licence results in £40,000 penalty for four Royal Greenwich landlords
Since October 2017, it has been a legal requirement for all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the Royal Borough of Greenwich to be licensed. This includes house and flat shares occupied by three or more people who are not all related, even if they all move in together on […]
read moreHarrow Council consulting on plans to renew Edgware selective licensing scheme
Harrow Council is consulting on plans to renew their selective licensing scheme that was introduced in the Edgware ward in December 2015. The current scheme is due to expire on 6 December 2020. Harrow Council currently operates five property licensing schemes. In addition to the borough wide mandatory HMO licensing […]
read moreEaling Council demolish illegal outbuilding and send landlord the bill
A Southall landlord has been hit with a whopping bill after Ealing Council stepped in to knock down an illegal outbuilding at his property. Rapinder Kaur Sehajpal owes the council more than £16,000 for the demolition of the building, after he ignored requests to demolish it himself. The 45 square […]
read moreHounslow additional licensing scheme starts 1 August 2020
A new borough wide additional licensing scheme will come into force in the London Borough of Hounslow on 1 August 2020. Having withdrawn their proposed additional licensing scheme in September 2019 following the threat of legal challenge (read here), Hounslow Council undertook a second round of consultation from 18 October […]
read moreAge UK London urge landlords to look out for their older tenants
Age UK London have published a list of different ways that landlords can support older tenants during the COVID-19 crisis. They are urging landlords to get in touch with their older tenants to ensure they are safe and well and receiving all the support they require. The number of older […]
read moreIslington Council have approved new additional and selective landlord licensing schemes
New landlord licensing schemes are being introduced in the London Borough of Islington following a decision by the council’s Executive on 19 March 2020. The council currently operates the mandatory HMO licensing scheme plus an additional licensing scheme that applies to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Caledonian Road […]
read moreRedbridge Council publish COVID19 information for private tenants
In response to the COVID19 pandemic, the London Borough of Redbridge has been writing to landlords of licensed properties offering helpful advice and assistance that can be shared with their tenants. The council has appointed a single point of contact for COVID19 queries from private landlords and are working with […]
read moreNew Waltham Forest selective licensing scheme launched on 1 May 2020
A new selective licensing covering most of the borough has been launched in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. A public consultation took place from 4 February to 29 April 2019 and the scheme was approved by councillors at a Cabinet meeting on 11 July 2019 (read here). As the […]
read moreNew additional licensing scheme launched in the London Borough of Waltham Forest
A borough wide additional licensing scheme covering an estimated 6,000 Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) has been launched in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. A public consultation took place from 4 February to 29 April 2019 and the scheme was approved by councillors at a Cabinet meeting on 11 […]
read moreLiverpool City Council launch Judicial Review of government decision not to renew its citywide selective licensing scheme
Liverpool City Council have launched a legal challenge against the government after permission to renew their citywide selective licensing scheme was refused (read here). The council has said their application for Judicial Review was filed with the High Court on 3 April 2020. Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said the […]
read moreLewisham Council approve new landlord licensing schemes and extend HMO planning restrictions
The London Borough of Lewisham has approved plans to implement new additional and selective property licensing schemes that will extend licensing to thousands more private rented properties. The council currently operate the mandatory HMO licensing scheme plus a borough wide additional licensing scheme that includes all Houses in Multiple Occupation […]
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 moreGreenwich Council pause selective licensing consultation in response to COVID19
A public consultation seeking views on a proposed selective licensing scheme in the Royal Borough of Greenwich has been paused as a result of the COVID19 situation. The consultation involved plans to extend licensing to all privately rented properties in Woolwich Common, Glyndon, Woolwich Riverside, Shooters Hill and Plumstead council […]
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 moreEnfield additional licensing scheme will come into force on 1 September 2020
Following a public consultation from 28 August to 29 November 2019 (read here), Enfield Council have approved plans for a borough wide additional licensing scheme that will come into force on 1 September 2020. The decision to implement an additional licensing scheme was made at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on […]
read morePlans to expand selective licensing in Brent placed on hold after government withhold approval
Following a public consultation in Summer 2019, Brent Council’s Cabinet approved plans to renew their borough wide additional licensing scheme, renew their selective licensing scheme in Harlesden, Willesden Green and Wembley Central wards and implement three new selective licensing schemes covering other parts of the borough (read here). Implementation of […]
read moreLandlord who failed to license three properties in Brent at a cost of £1,620 has been ordered to pay £90,000 penalty
In what could be one of the highest fines for failing to submit selective licence applications, a Brent landlord has been handed £90,000 in fines and court costs after repeatedly ignoring the need to get his private rented properties licensed. Stephen Ige pleaded guilty in Willesden Magistrate Court to knowingly […]
read moreFailure to implement fire risk assessment findings leads to prosecution by London Fire Brigade
A resident unable to reach an emergency escape route during a fire was found standing on a third-floor windowsill and had to be rescued by firefighters. Management company Harper Stone Properties Ltd from East Sussex has been fined after pleading guilty to a series of fire safety failings following the […]
read moreProperty agents fined over £100k for letting unsafe home in King’s Cross
Property agents operating in Camden have been fined over £100,000 for letting an unlicensed and unsafe home in King’s Cross. Simple Properties London Ltd, Simple Properties Management Ltd and the businesses’ corresponding directors Santiago Hidalgo Ferrin, 39, of Cottage Street E14, and Miguel Cabeo Cespedes, 48, of Windsor Ave SW19, […]
read moreGovernment approve plans to extend Waltham Forest’s selective licensing scheme until 2025
Following the government’s decision to block a new citywide selective licensing scheme in Liverpool, councillors in Waltham Forest will be pleased their efforts have been more fruitful. Following a consultation exercise in early 2019, the London Borough of Waltham Forest applied for government approval to extend their selective licensing scheme […]
read moreFatal fire in unlicensed HMO leads to £120,000 penalty for the landlord and managing agent
A tragic house fire that caused the death of a 17-year old girl could have so easily been avoided. The three-bedroom semi-detached house in Saxon Road, Southall had been converted into a five-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). At the time of the fire in January 2019, the property was […]
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 moreCamden Council launch consultation on plans to renew their additional landlord licensing scheme
Camden Council have used powers under the Housing Act 2004 to extend licensing to most Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough. The licensing scheme includes house and flat shares, student homes, bedsits and some buildings converted into flats. The council’s additional licensing scheme came into force on 8 […]
read moreDollis Hill landlord hit with civil penalty turns his property around to achieve compliance
In a positive pre-Christmas news story, a private landlord issued with a £15,000 civil penalty for licensing breaches has turned his rental business around to comply with the law. Ansar Choudhry, of High Wycombe, was fined after Brent Council’s enforcement team raided his converted, three-bedroom semi-detached house in the Dollis […]
read moreDawn raid by Brent Council finds 17 men living in three-bedroom terrace house
On 27 November 2019, enforcement officers from Brent Council awoke 17 men sleeping on mattresses during a dawn raid on a private rented property. The exploited tenants were crammed inside a three-bedroom, two-storey terrace house in Coles Green Road, Dollis Hill. The raid followed a tip-off about a suspected unlicensed […]
read moreFour year banning order made against rent to rent landlord who let out unsafe accommodation in Camden
A so-called ‘rent to rent’ landlord who rented properties from the owner and then sub-let them by the room has been banned from operating in the private rented sector for four years following a hearing before the First-tier Tribunal on Monday 21 October 2019. Having considered the case, the First-tier […]
read moreHounslow Council have relaunched their additional landlord licensing consultation
Having withdrawn their proposed additional licensing scheme in September 2019 following the threat of legal challenge (read here), Hounslow Council have launched a new additional licensing consultation exercise. The new licensing consultation started on 18 October 2019 and runs for 10 weeks until 27 December 2019. With the previous scheme […]
read moreBrent Council’s additional licensing scheme extended until 2025 as consultation starts on new HMO planning restrictions
At a Cabinet meeting on 14 October 2019, Brent Council approved plans for a borough wide additional licensing scheme that will extend licensing to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within the borough. The new scheme will come into force on 1 February 2020 and continue until 31 January 2025. […]
read moreHackney Council change landlord licensing policy for privately rented blocks of flats
On 16 October 2019, Hackney Council Cabinet met to approve changes to their selective licensing policy for privately rented blocks of flats. When the selective licensing scheme was introduced in the council wards of Brownswood, Cazenove and Stoke Newington on 1 October 2018, the intention was to require a separate […]
read moreHave your say on proposed landlord licensing schemes in Enfield
Proposals designed to raise housing standards, reduce anti-social behaviour and tackle deprivation have been published by Enfield Council as part of a public consultation that is currently underway. London Property Licensing have been following the council’s plans with interest and previous updates can be found here. The council’s proposals include […]
read moreRedbridge landlord fined over £25,000 for turning five houses into unlicensed, illegal death traps
A private landlord who let unsafe, unlicensed properties in Redbridge that endangered the lives of 56 people has been fined £25,165. Council enforcement officers discovered Mindaugas Cikanavicius, from Palmerston Road, Grays was operating five properties in Redbridge as houses in multiple occupation (HMO’s) without a licence. The properties were also […]
read moreNew research finds over 130,000 unlicensed private rented properties in London
With over 130,000 unlicensed rental properties in London, safeagent has called for a rethink of licensing in the private rented sector to better protect tenants. The research for safeagent conducted by London Property Licensing has found over 130,000 unlicensed properties in London which should be licensed under either selective, additional […]
read moreLandlord must pay over £0.5 million for illegal property conversion in Maida Vale
A landlord who divided his three-bedroom home in Marylands Road, Westminster into eight flats without planning permission, has been fined £90,000 and ordered to pay a confiscation order of £400,000. The defendant, Mr Farook Owadally, was ordered to pay the heavy fine as well as £40,000 in costs after ignoring […]
read moreTower Hamlets Council using planning powers to restrict new HMO developments
London Property Licensing has discovered proposals for new HMO planning restrictions in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. On 24 July 2019, Tower Hamlets Council made a non-immediate HMO Article 4 Direction that applies borough wide and is due to come into force on 1 January 2021. This planning proposal […]
read moreConsultation underway on proposed additional and selective licensing schemes in Islington
Islington Council has announced proposals for two new property licensing schemes to help secure a fairer deal for private renters in the borough by improving conditions. The first is a borough-wide additional licensing for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The scheme would require landlords who rent out a property to […]
read moreHounslow Council drop plans for additional licensing scheme following threat of legal challenge
Hounslow Council has u-turned on plans for a licensing scheme for landlords following representations made by the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) and Safeagent (formerly the National Approved Letting Scheme). On 9 July 2019, the council’s cabinet agreed to proceed with plans for an additional licensing scheme. The scheme designation was […]
read moreLandlords who rented out illegal micro flats in West Hampstead ordered to repay £114,280 housing benefit
As reported earlier this year, investigations by Camden Council uncovered an unlicensed house in multiple occupation in Pandora Road, West Hampstead following complaints about rubbish outside the property. The property had been badly converted into 16 flats (read here). On 4 July 2019, Grosvenor Property Investment London Ltd, Knightsbridge Properties […]
read moreReview of LACORS fire safety guidance underway
Arrangements are underway to review and update the LACORS national fire safety guidance that is used by local authorities, fire and rescue authorities, landlords and agents to understand and interpret fire safety requirements in private rented accommodation. The guidance was originally published by LACORS (Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) […]
read moreBarking and Dagenham introduce new selective licensing scheme but their additional licensing scheme has ended
On 1 September 2019, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham introduced a borough wide selective licensing scheme to replace the previous scheme that expired on 31 August. Whilst the selective licensing scheme has been renewed, the council’s additional licensing scheme that applied to smaller HMOs has ended. A council […]
read moreGovernment refuse permission for selective licensing scheme in Stoke on Trent
London Property Licensing has learnt that an application to approve a selective licensing scheme in Stoke on Trent has recently been refused by the Secretary of State. The council were seeking to introduce a selective licensing scheme covering about 3,000 properties in 154 streets across 14 separate areas. According to […]
read moreConfusion over Barking and Dagenham’s new property licensing scheme
On 1 September 2019, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham are implementing a borough wide selective licensing scheme to replace the previous scheme that expires on 31 August. Permission to implement this replacement selective licensing scheme was granted by the Secretary of State earlier in the year. Landlords and […]
read moreIslington letting agent is first in UK to be prosecuted for new membership club scam
The director of an Islington letting agency that tried to pass itself off as a membership club to dodge the law while leaving tenants in the lurch has been hit with a bill of more than £40,000 in the first prosecution of its kind in the UK. Gian Paulo Aliatis, […]
read moreKilburn landlord who stripped roof whilst tenants living inside given hefty fine
A Kilburn landlord, who housed more than 25 tenants in a rundown property has been found guilty of serious housing offences. Salah Ali’s three-storey house in Willesden Lane, Kilburn, became a nightmare for neighbours who complained to the council about the property’s overflowing rubbish bins creating a breeding ground for […]
read moreProperty licensing consultation gets the green light in the London Borough of Enfield
As reported last month, research by London Property Licensing uncovered plans by Enfield Council to introduce borough wide additional licensing together with a selective licensing scheme covering two thirds of the borough (read here). Following a decision by the council’s Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulatory Services to launch a […]
read moreSouthwark property agent barred from holding property licences after wilfully putting tenants at risk
Southwark Council’s investigation into a persistent offender’s nine properties in the Rotherhithe area found them all to be lacking essential fire safety equipment. In addition, eight of the properties were unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), whereas all HMOs in Southwark have required licensing since 2016. According to the council, […]
read moreNew property licensing schemes get the green light in Waltham Forest
On 11 July 2019, Waltham Forest Council’s Cabinet approved plans for new property licensing schemes to be implemented when the current borough wide selective licensing scheme ends on 31 March 2020. Following the consultation exercise that ended on 29 April 2019, the council have decided to implement a borough wide […]
read moreTenant who illegally sub-let five properties as unlicensed HMOs fined £21,000
A tenant who pretended to be the landlord and illegally sublet five family homes has been ordered to pay more than £21,000 after he carved up the properties and rented them out as unsafe bedsits – putting the lives of at least 40 vulnerable residents at risk. Andrius Cikanavicius had […]
read moreDecision to consult on new Enfield property licensing schemes to be scrutinised by councillors
Research by London Property Licensing has uncovered plans by Enfield Council to introduce borough wide additional licensing together with a selective licensing scheme covering two thirds of the borough. We understand the decision to consult on the proposed landlord licensing schemes was made by the council’s Cabinet Member for Licensing […]
read moreRenting out illegal micro flats in an unlicensed West Hampstead HMO results in fines totalling £130,000
Camden Council’s investigations have helped to open a ‘Pandora’s box’ by exposing an illegally-run, poorly converted house in multiple occupation. The unlicensed house in multiple occupation in Pandora Road, West Hampstead first came to light in 2017 following complaints about rubbish outside the property. It was found that the property […]
read moreBrent Council secures their largest fine against a criminal landlord who made tenants’ lives a misery
A criminal landlord has been ordered to pay £60,170 fine and £6,000 court costs after being found guilty of making tenants’ lives a misery through licensing breaches. The whopping fine is the biggest fine Brent Council has secured to date and is a reflection of the truly appalling conditions tenants […]
read moreHave your say on licensing of private rented properties in Brent
A borough-wide consultation on landlord licensing for privately rented properties in Brent was launched on 10 June 2019. The online consultation is open for everyone to have their say on landlord licensing in the borough. Brent Council currently operate mandatory HMO, additional and two selective licensing schemes. People are being […]
read moreHavering Council are consulting on plans to expand landlord licensing scheme
Havering Council has begun a consultation looking at plans to extend their existing property licensing scheme. Since the current Additional HMO Landlord Licensing Scheme was launched in March 2018, enforcement action in the last 12 months has included: 133 Financial Penalty Notices issued to unlicensed HMOs. 23 Notices have been […]
read moreIndependent selective licensing review recommends the introduction of a national landlord register
On 25 June 2019, the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published an independent review on the use and effectiveness of selective licensing schemes in England. The review, undertaken by Opinion Research Services with support from Lavender and Wilson housing consultancy, was designed to explore the effectiveness of […]
read moreLewisham Council consulting on plans to license 32,000 private rented homes
Lewisham Council have launched a 12-week consultation on plans to license all private rented homes in the borough. The council currently operate the mandatory House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme and in 2017 they introduced an additional licensing scheme for all HMOs located above commercial premises. The current additional […]
read moreAdditional licensing has ended in Hounslow, but will it be renewed?
Hounslow Council’s additional licensing scheme that was introduced in 2014 has recently expired. The council’s property licensing scheme that extended HMO licensing to all properties of two or more storeys occupied by four or more people and certain section 257 HMOs came to an end on 31 May 2019, although […]
read moreBorough wide additional licensing scheme has been introduced in Haringey
A new additional HMO licensing scheme covering an estimated 17,000 Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) was implemented throughout the London Borough of Haringey on 27 May 2019. A smaller additional licensing scheme covering just the Tottenham had been in place for five years until it ended on 30 April 2019. […]
read moreSouthwark private landlords offering longer tenancies could soon be eligible for a property award and discounted licensing fees
London Property Licensing has learnt of plans to introduce a new property award scheme for private landlords in the London Borough of Southwark. According to the council’s website, Southwark Council consulted on the proposals from 11 February to 12 May 2019, although we received no prior notification and were unable […]
read moreSouthwark landlord ordered to repay over £1m or spend 7 years in prison for illegal flat conversion
Southwark Council has obtained one of London’s largest Proceeds of Crime Orders from an unscrupulous landlord who sub-devided three flats in London Bridge into around 20 cramped studios and bedsits – putting profits before the quality of life of his tenants. Landlord Andre Charles Trepel, was fined £10,000 and ordered […]
read moreWembley landlord’s application for council tax discount leads to investigation and substantial fine for managing an unlicensed HMO
A rogue landlord who tried to con her tenants, the council tax department and private sector housing team has had her web of lies blown away by Brent Council in court. Diana Thompson of Barn Way, Wembley, pretended that she was a lodger to her tenants who were renting rooms […]
read moreBed-bug infestation leads to prosecution for landlord of illegal and dangerous HMO in Harrow
Harrow pest control operatives asked to treat a bed-bug infestation at a property in Headstone Drive, Harrow were astounded to find nine people living in dangerous housing conditions. Their routine visit uncovered an illegal and dangerous House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) which they reported to the council’s private sector housing […]
read moreSubstantial fee discount for Haringey landlords that apply for an additional licence before 27 May 2019
At a Cabinet meeting on 12 February 2019, Haringey Council approved plans for a borough wide additional licensing scheme covering all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The new licensing scheme will come into force on 27 May 2019. The council carried out a public consultation between 11 December 2017 and […]
read moreLandlords of fire damaged HMO in Erith prosecuted for breaching prohibition order
A husband and wife must pay joint fines, penalties and costs totalling over £8,000 after being successfully prosecuted for contravening an overcrowding notice and prohibition order served on them by Bexley Council. Bexley Magistrates heard that the rented property in Pembroke Road, Erith was owned by Mr Abul Azad and […]
read moreLondon Property Licensing awarded Best Landlord Service Provider 2019!
London Property Licensing is delighted to announce that our innovative service has been awarded Best Landlord Service Provider 2019 by the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme and ATLAS (Accreditation & Training for Landlords & Agents Service). The winners were announced at the LLAS / ATLAS Conference and Awards ceremony that took […]
read moreSubstantial fine for Camden lettings company that tried to evade their HMO licensing responsibilities
A lettings company that failed to comply with HMO licensing responsibilities and failed to comply with legal notices served by Camden Council was fined £22,299.33 at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on 7 March 2019. The properties in question were multi-occupied flats in Candida Court in Kentish Town and on Cricklewood […]
read moreWaltham Forest Council want to hear your views on proposals for new property licensing schemes
Waltham Forest Council are carrying out a 12-week consultation with residents and landlords across the borough and beyond, inviting comments on two proposed new private rented property licensing schemes. According to the Council, the private rented sector in Waltham Forest is the fastest growing housing sector and is estimated to […]
read moreBarnet Council to develop selective licensing proposal and increase their housing enforcement activity
At a Housing Committee meeting on 14 January 2019, Barnet councillors unanimously agreed to explore proposals for a selective landlord licensing scheme covering all private rented properties within a designated area. At present, Barnet Council operate the mandatory HMO licensing scheme together with an additional licensing scheme covering most Houses […]
read moreNew HMO planning restrictions are being introduced in South London
London Property Licensing has discovered proposals for new HMO planning restrictions in the London Boroughs of Croydon and Lewisham. Under existing planning rules, landlords can convert a family home into a small HMO with up to six occupants without needing planning permission. All HMOs with seven or more occupants need […]
read moreLetting agent fined £30,000 for unlicensed ‘rent to rent’ HMOs in Camden
Crown Managed Properties Ltd and its director Elliot Gambino, 28, of Girdlestone Walk, London, were fined a total of £30,000 at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on Thursday 7 February 2019 for failing to license three houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Camden. Crown Managed Properties Ltd gave sham ‘lodger agreements’ […]
read moreDawn raid in Wembley finds 19 people living in four bedroom semi
Enforcement officers raided a house in Wembley earlier this month and found 19 tenants who were paying their landlord £1,000 a week between them. Brent’s licensing team discovered a garage that had been illegally turned into two bedrooms with a makeshift partition wall between them; a shed in the process […]
read moreLondon Property Licensing shortlisted in the 2019 London Landlord Accreditation Scheme Awards!
London Property Licensing is delighted to announce that our innovative service has been shortlisted in the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) and ATLAS (Accreditation & Training for Landlords and Agents Service) 2019 Awards. We have been shortlisted in two categories for the ‘Best Landlord Service Provider’ and ‘Make a Difference’ […]
read moreHounslow Council launch consultation on plans to extend and widen their additional landlord licensing scheme
With Hounslow Council’s additional licensing scheme set to end on 31 May 2019, the council have launched a consultation on plans to extend and widen their landlord licensing scheme. At present additional licensing in Hounslow is restricted to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are two or more storeys in […]
read moreNew additional landlord licensing scheme starts in Tower Hamlets on 1 April 2019
At a Cabinet meeting on 31 October 2018, Tower Hamlets Council approved plans for an additional licensing scheme that will apply borough wide except for the pre-2014 wards of Weavers, Whitechapel, Spitalfields and Banglatown, which are located in the west of the borough. The new licensing scheme comes into force […]
read moreFraudulent Islington letting agents sentenced to 28 months in prison and disqualified from acting as company directors for 8 years
Three men behind a dodgy letting agency have each been sentenced to 28 months in prison following a major investigation by Islington Council after a five-week trial. The men, who ran companies in Islington and neighbouring boroughs using the trading name Crestons were convicted of carrying on business for a […]
read moreNew housing complaints resolution service will make redress scheme membership compulsory for all private landlords
Private tenants will have simple and quick access to help when things go wrong, according to new plans announced by Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP. From broken boilers to cracks in the wall, the new Housing Complaints Resolution Service could help millions by providing a straight-forward way of […]
read moreEaling has the highest number of accredited landlords in London
Ealing has more accredited landlords and managing agents than any other borough in London, new figures show (as of January 2019). 1,218 Ealing landlords and agents have achieved accredited status with the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS), which recognises property professionals who have the skills needed to properly manage their […]
read moreNew Year heralds steep rise in Redbridge Council’s landlord licensing fees
Research by London Property Licensing has identified a steep rise in landlord licensing fees in the London Borough of Redbridge. On 1 January 2019, the council increased their licence application fees for mandatory HMO, additional and selective licences. Mandatory HMO Licensing Up until 31 December 2018, Redbridge Council had a […]
read moreRedbridge Council announce their intention to impose new HMO planning restrictions
On 13 November 2018, Redbridge Council’s Cabinet approved a report proposing new planning restrictions for all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in the borough. Under existing planning rules, landlords can convert a family home into a small HMO with up to six occupants without needing planning permission. All HMOs with […]
read moreFlagrant disregard for tenant safety costs negligent Southwark landlords over £100,000
Three brothers responsible for the negligent and dangerous management of rented flats above the former Thomas a Beckett pub on the Old Kent Road were at the Inner London Crown Court for sentencing on 17 December 2018. His Honour Judge Wood QC handed out fines of £37,500 and costs of […]
read moreSlum housing conditions lead to £244,367 penalty for Wembley landlords
A Crown Court judge has ordered landlords who crammed 31 tenants into a shanty town-type home to pay thousands of pounds in fines, costs and Confiscation Orders. Mum and daughter, Harsha and Chandni Shah, along with Mrs Harsha Shah’s brother, Sanjay Shah, were pocketing around £112,000 a year by stuffing […]
read moreNALS effective enforcement toolkit helps councils to tackle rogue letting agents
To help local authorities tackle rogue letting agents, the National Approved Letting Scheme) NALS has published the latest version of its Effective Enforcement Toolkit. Originally published in 2016, the Toolkit was created as a unique way to assist local authority enforcement officers in tackling lettings and management firms who fail […]
read moreWaltham Forest Council serve management orders to take over 20+ private rented properties
Waltham Forest Council has served Interim Management Orders in respect of over 20 properties from a family landlord firm who supplied false information to the council’s property licensing scheme and colluded with a Gas Safe engineer to falsify safety certificates, endangering the lives of their tenants. Following this action, the […]
read moreLandlord who built an illegal bedsit empire across North West London ordered to pay £1.5m or face nine years in prison
A notorious rogue landlord must pay £1,500,000 or spend nine years behind bars after justice caught up with him at Harrow Crown Court last Friday (30 November). The court found that Vispasp Sarkari had flouted planning rules for more than five years – converting properties across Brent and Harrow into […]
read moreDeadline for submitting Hackney licence applications extended by three months
In what will be a relief for many landlords and agents, the deadline for submitting additional and selective licence applications in Hackney has been extended until 28 February 2019. The deadline for applications was originally set for today (2 December 2018), with enforcement action due to start on Monday 3 […]
read moreEaling ‘bed in shed’ landlord ordered to pay almost £450,000 or face a four year prison sentence
A landlord from Southall in Ealing has been slapped with an enormous fine for repeatedly ignoring council orders to stop letting so-called ‘beds in sheds’ at one of her rental properties. Samina Nadeem, of Malborough Road in Southall, was fined a total of almost £450,000 for flagrantly disregarding Ealing Council’s […]
read moreBarking & Dagenham Council consult on plans to renew their selective licensing scheme
Barking & Dagenham Council is consulting all interested parties on plans to renew their selective landlord licensing scheme for a further five year. The current five-year additional and selective licensing schemes came into force in September 2014. They apply borough wide and are due to end in August 2019. The […]
read moreCamden landlord ordered to pay back housing benefit on unlicensed HMO
Camden Council has obtained a Rent Repayment Order from Finchley Properties Ltd, requiring them to hand back 70% of their profits gained from renting poorly converted flats in an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO) on Finchley Road between March and November 2017. Camden Council applied to use a Rent […]
read moreHuge fine for Southall landlord who rented out ‘bed in shed’ in breach of planning enforcement notice
A Southall landlord is almost £42,000 worse off after repeatedly ignoring council orders to stop illegally letting an outbuilding at one of his rental properties in Southall. The severity of the fine Mubashar Ahmed was given reflected the fact that he had already been prosecuted for the same offence in […]
read moreApply now or face the consequences – a tough message for Hackney landlords
Hackney landlords and letting agents could face unlimited fines under new property licensing schemes that came into force last month. On 1 October 2018, Hackney Council introduced a borough-wide additional licensing scheme plus a selective licensing scheme covering part of the borough, with both schemes set to last for five […]
read morePlanning controls restrict new Houses in Multiple Occupation in the Royal Borough of Greenwich
New planning controls that restrict Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the Royal Borough of Greenwich came into force on 27 September 2018. The Royal Borough has removed permitted development rights by implementing a borough wide HMO Article 4 Direction under planning legislation. Prior to 27 September, single family properties […]
read moreHavering Council stepping up action against landlords of unlicensed HMOs
Havering Council are stepping up enforcement action against landlords and agents who have failed to apply for a licence under the council’s additional licensing scheme that started on 1 March 2018. The additional licensing scheme applies to all HMOs in the council wards of Brooklands, Elm Park, Gooshays, Harold Wood, […]
read moreRent-to-rent’ scammer hit with £26,000 penalty by Waltham Forest Council
A property managing agent who used ‘ghost tenants’ as a front so that she could cram 16 people into one over-crowded house has been hit where it hurts with a £26,000 fine. Waltham Forest Council’s property licensing team received an application to register the property on Eastfield Road, E17, as […]
read moreSupreme Court dismiss Nottingham City Council’s appeal: mode of occupation is relevant when assessing accommodation in a licensed HMO
On 10 October 2018, the Supreme Court handed down their judgement in the case of Nottingham City Council (Appellant) v Parr and another (Respondents) [2018] UKSC 51 The appeal concerned conditions attached to two HMO licences issued by Nottingham City Council for 44 Rothesay Avenue and 50 Bute Avenue. Both […]
read moreLandlord and managing agent ordered to pay over £20,000 for unlicensed shared house in Islington
A private landlord and a managing agent have been found guilty of managing a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) without the required licence, following a successful prosecution by Islington Council. Following a complaint from a tenant living in Penderyn Way N7, a Senior Environmental Health Officer inspected the property on […]
read moreNew HMO licensing rules come into force today!
In an attempt to drive up standards in the private rented sector, the most significant changes to landlord licensing rules in twelve years have come into force today (1 October). Since April 2006, the mandatory HMO licensing scheme that applies across England and Wales has been restricted to about 60,000 […]
read moreCouncil seeks views on licensing scheme from Camden landlords, agents and tenants
Camden Council have been operating their borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme since 8 December 2015 and the scheme runs for 5 years until December 2020. The council say that their additional HMO licensing scheme is intended to help them tackle poor management, poor housing conditions and overcrowding in HMOs by […]
read moreTower Hamlets agent ordered to pay over £50,000 for unlicensed and overcrowded property
An overcrowded property let by an unlicensed landlord with inadequate fire precautions and unheated rooms has resulted in a £46,620 fine and costs of £7,000 following council intervention. Over the summer, Thames Magistrates awarded the fine to SDV HQ Limited (SDV), trading as Sterling De Vere, of Chrisp Street, Poplar […]
read moreLandlord prosecuted after Islington Council find 35 people living in converted Victorian semi detached house
Two private landlords have been found guilty of managing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with dangerous and sub-standard conditions, following a successful prosecution by Islington Council. Environmental Health Officers witnessed 35 breaches of the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations at three addresses in Grosvenor Avenue and Seven Sisters […]
read moreTwo week countdown: the mandatory HMO licensing rules change on 1 October 2018. Are you ready?
With less than two weeks to go until the mandatory HMO licensing rules change across England, London Property Licensing is publishing the fifth of six weekly updates to raise awareness of the new licensing requirements and help landlords to prepare. On 1 October 2018, the mandatory HMO licensing scheme is […]
read moreLetting agent who rented out a room in breach of HMO licence conditions faces hefty fine
An agent who housed a tenant in a tiny room behind a kitchen has been ordered to pay more than £32,000 in court. Ms Viviane Almieda, of Falcondale Court, Lakeside Drive in Park Royal, pleaded guilty to breaching HMO licensing conditions, including failing to comply with the council’s amenity and […]
read moreHackney landlords given six days to submit applications before new licensing scheme starts
New additional and selective licensing schemes are set to be introduced in the London Borough of Hackney on 1 October 2018. The additional licensing scheme will apply borough wide and includes all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) shared by three or more people who are not all related. The scheme […]
read moreFailure to fit smoke alarms costs Walthamstow lettings agent £10,000
A Walthamstow-based residential lettings agency has been fined £10,000 for failing to fit smoke alarms at a rented property in a landmark case for the rights of private tenants. Just Move Estates of Hoe Street E17 had claimed that tenants removed the smoke alarms at the property on Melford Road, […]
read moreThree week countdown: the mandatory HMO licensing rules change on 1 October 2018. Are you ready?
With just three weeks to go until the mandatory HMO licensing rules change across England, London Property Licensing is publishing the fourth of six weekly updates to raise awareness of the new licensing requirements and help landlords to prepare. On 1 October 2018, the mandatory HMO licensing scheme is being […]
read moreFour week countdown: the mandatory HMO licensing rules change on 1 October 2018. Are you ready?
With just four weeks to go until the mandatory HMO licensing rules change across England, London Property Licensing is publishing the third of six weekly updates to raise awareness of the new licensing requirements and help landlords to prepare. On 1 October 2018, the mandatory HMO licensing scheme is being […]
read moreLandlord Association launch legal challenge to Hull City Council’s housing enforcement policy
In a case that could have implications for local authorities across the country, the Humber Landlords’ Association (HLA) is taking Hull City Council to the High Court to challenge their new private sector housing enforcement policy. It is understood the legal challenge is being supported by the Residential Landlords Association […]
read moreFive week countdown: the mandatory HMO licensing rules change on 1 October 2018. Are you ready?
With just five weeks to go until the mandatory HMO licensing rules change across England, London Property Licensing is publishing the second of six weekly updates to raise awareness of the new licensing requirements and help landlords to prepare. On 1 October 2018, the mandatory HMO licensing scheme is being […]
read moreCamden Council leading the way in tackling criminal landlords
Camden Council is prosecuting more criminal landlords and agents than all other London boroughs, according to latest data published by the GLA. Camden Council leads the way in London with 59 prosecution records on the Mayor of London’s ‘Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker’ (here) which was launched in December 2017. […]
read moreSix week countdown: the mandatory HMO licensing rules change on 1 October 2018. Are you ready?
With just six weeks to go until the mandatory HMO licensing rules change across England, London Property Licensing is publishing the first of six weekly updates to help raise awareness of the new licensing requirements. On 1 October 2018, the mandatory HMO licensing scheme is being extended to most Houses […]
read moreApply now to benefit from discounted selective licence application fees in Bexley and Redbridge
Landlords and letting agents are being warned about two new selective licensing schemes that come into force on 1 October 2018. In the London Borough of Bexley, a new selective licensing scheme is being introduced in four parts of the borough. The scheme designation applies to Thamesmead North, Abbey Wood […]
read moreLandlords warned after Harrow Council website incorrectly described their additional licensing scheme criteria for over two years
Research by independent housing consultancy London Property Licensing has identified a serious compliance risk for landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the London Borough of Harrow. On 1 December 2015, Harrow Council designated an additional licensing scheme that came into force on 1 March 2016 and continues until […]
read moreHead tenant convicted after subletting a death trap bungalow to 10 people in Wembley
A head tenant who was ripping off other tenants in an overcrowded “death trap” bungalow has been fined tens of thousands of pounds in court. Willesden Magistrates Court found Petru Dregan guilty of breaking housing management regulations, neglecting to protect the safety of tenants from whom he was taking money […]
read moreFive managing agents convicted of licensing offences in two London Boroughs
The importance of landlords employing reputable managing agents has been made crystal clear in the latest batch of housing prosecutions. In the first case, three managing agents who implemented a ‘Rent to Rent’ arrangement without the landlords consent have been fined after 11 people were found living in a three-bedroom […]
read moreGas engineer convicted of fraud after falsifying landlord gas safety certificates
A Waltham Forest landlord and his Gas Safe Registered engineer have both pleaded guilty to falsifying gas safety certificates at Thames Magistrates Court and Snaresbrook Crown Court in landmark prosecutions. Mr Tariq Hussain, of Chigwell, had induced gas engineer Mr Muhammad Waseem, of Manor Park, to falsify four gas safety […]
read moreGovernment launch consultation on longer tenancies in the private rented sector
The government have today (2 July) launched a consultation on overcoming the barriers to landlords offering longer tenancies in the private rented sector. The government say they are committed to increasing security for tenants in the private rented sector while balancing landlords’ needs to regain their properties when their circumstances […]
read moreLandlords convicted for operating unlicensed HMOs in Barnet and Camden
Three landlords have been fined a total of £24,170 including costs, for failing to have a licence for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Chiabass Lawrence, who has been managing HMOs across London since 2003, pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 19 June for failing to acquire a HMO […]
read moreHead tenant who illegally sublet property to 35 people then changed the locks has been imprisoned for 16 weeks
A head tenant who changed the locks on a property that was being illegally sublet to 35 men has been jailed for 16 weeks for illegal eviction. Ilie Florin Dragusin bolted the men out of a converted three-bedroom semi-detached house after the property was raided by Brent Council’s enforcement team […]
read moreGovernment publish long awaited guidance on changes to mandatory HMO licensing
The government have today (20 May) published guidance to help local authorities implement changes to mandatory HMO licensing. The new arrangements apply across England and will come into force on 1 October 2018. Under the new rules, mandatory HMO licensing is being extended to almost all Houses in Multiple Occupation […]
read moreFinancial penalties imposed on 27 letting agents in Tower Hamlets
Officers from Tower Hamlets Council have been busy conducting checks on local letting agents and investigating cases reported by members of the public. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, all agents are required to display a full list of landlord and tenant fees both instore and on the agent’s website. […]
read moreHarrow Council find up to 18 people crammed into two bedroom property
A severely overcrowded two bedroom property in Wealdstone has been prohibited from use after Harrow Council found up to 18 people including children living in substandard conditions. Although the landlord claimed there were just two tenants – officers were greeted on arrival by a sea of mattresses and some roughly-assembled […]
read moreNew selective licensing scheme launched in five Brent council wards on 1 June 2018
A second selective licensing scheme covering five council wards was introduced in the London Borough of Brent on 1 June 2018. Under the new scheme, all private rented properties in the council wards of Dudden Hill, Kensal Green, Kilburn, Mapesbury and Queen’s Park must now be licensed by the council. […]
read moreGovernment approves expanded property licensing scheme for Redbridge
On 31 May 2018, Redbridge Council announced they had been given approval to introduce an expanded selective licensing scheme covering a further 12 wards in the borough. Redbridge Council already operates a borough wide additional licensing scheme and selective licensing in the council wards of Clementswood and Valentines. The decision […]
read moreSurvey finds majority of council websites provide unsatisfactory information on HMO licensing
In an important new report published today (25 May 2018), 65% of local authorities were found to have poor or unsatisfactory information on their website about the property licensing application process. With increasing numbers renting their home from private landlords there is growing concern about conditions in such properties. Obtaining […]
read moreCamden letting agents prosecuted for managing unlicensed HMOs
Two letting agents have recently been prosecuted and fined, as part of Camden Council’s ongoing action against those operating unlicensed houses of multiple occupation (HMO) in the borough. On Thursday 3 May at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, Enjoy London Ltd and its Director, Mr Antonio Scarpignato (27) of Keighley Close, […]
read moreJoin London Property Licensing and VTUK for a property licensing Twitter chat on Wednesday 16 May at 12 noon
Property software providers, VTUK has joined together with specialist housing consultancy, London Property Licensing, to organise a property licensing chat being held on Twitter at 12pm this Wednesday 16 May. The chat will give landlords and agents an opportunity to pose their questions and queries about licensing to industry specialists. […]
read moreWillesden Green landlord fined £10,000 for failing to obtain an HMO licence
A Willesden Green landlord has been fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £3,300 court costs after failing to license a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). In February 2018, the managing agent, Easy Let agency, had been fined £20,229 by Willesden Magistrate Court for failing to license the same overcrowded three-storey, […]
read moreBirmingham HMO landlord ordered to pay ground breaking fine and compensate her tenants
In a court case with national significance, Leila Amjadi, aged 33, of Sutton Coldfield, has been found guilty at Birmingham Magistrates Court of thirty five House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) offences. The offences were in relation to the failure to obtain HMO licences and for breaches under the HMO Management […]
read moreManaging agent fined £40,000 after women died in fire at block of flats in Tower Hamlets
A property managing agent has been ordered to pay £40,000 following the death of a woman at a fire at a block of flats on the Isle of Dogs. Sophie Rosser, 23, died following the fire which broke out at Meridian Place, E14, at around 0130 on August 26, 2012. […]
read moreTwo people have died from suspected CO poisoning in an unlicensed HMO in Edgware
Two people have died and five people have been taken to hospital following what is believed to be carbon monoxide poisoning at a private rented property in Edgware. Police were called to a house on Bacon Lane, Edgware at 1.30pm on Sunday 8 April 2018 following reports of two unresponsive […]
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