News
Enfield 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 22 January 2020. The Council received 1,861 responses to the consultation comprising 794 online and 1,067 face to face surveys.
As often occurs, the licensing proposals received strong support from residents and tenants whilst the majority of landlords were opposed. Landlords expressed stronger opposition to selective licensing (73%) than additional licensing (56%).
Having taken all the findings into account, the Cabinet approved plans for a borough wide additional licensing scheme that will extend to all HMOs with the exception of section 257 HMOs (certain buildings converted into flats).
The new licensing scheme will bring shared houses and flats occupied by three or four people within the scope of licensing for the first time. According to the council, they expect to license 8,746 HMOs under the new scheme.
It is not yet known when the council will start to accept additional licence applications. When the application process starts, the council have indicated they will charge a higher fixed fee of £900 per property. Licences will last for up to five years.
Enfield selective licensing scheme still under consideration
At the same meeting in January 2020, the council approved plans for two selective licensing schemes designed to cover all private rented homes within the scheme boundary. The application fee will be £600 per property.
The first selective licensing scheme is intended to cover the council wards of: Bowes, Edmonton Green, Enfield Highway, Enfield Lock, Haselbury, Jubilee, Lower Edmonton, Palmers Green, Ponders End, Southbury, Southgate Green, Turkey Street and Upper Edmonton. The second scheme is intended to cover the council’s Chase ward.
Following a change in legislation in 2015, the council needs Secretary of State approval to implement a selective licensing scheme covering more than 20% of private rented homes. The council is hoping they will obtain permission so the selective licensing can also be implemented on 1 September 2020.
A free guide containing more detailed information about property licensing in the London Borough of Enfield is available here.
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