Over 2,850 licence applications received for Islington Council’s selective landlord licensing scheme

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 - Islington Council

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 and how to apply. 

To date, over 2,850 licence applications have been received. Landlords and agents who have applied are compliant with the licensing scheme and their applications are being processed. 

With an estimated 5,000 licensable properties within the selective licensing area, Islington Council are now focusing their efforts on identifying privately rented homes where no licence application has yet been received. 

Investigations targeting unlicensed premises are underway, including door to door surveys and targeted letters to landlords who have not yet submitted licence applications.

The risks of non-compliance with the licensing scheme are significant. 

• Landlords who have delayed their licence application and breached the licensing scheme may be issued with a shorter one year selective licence. 

• Landlords and their letting or managing agent can be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court, or issued with a civil financial penalty notice of up to £30,000.

• Whilst the property remains in breach of the licensing scheme, no section 21 notice can be served on the tenant to regain possession of the property.

• If no licence application has been submitted, the tenants can apply for a Rent Repayment Order to recover all rent paid, up to a maximum of 12 months. 

Full information about property licensing and how to apply for a licence is available on the council’s website. You can also email the council’s property licensing team at property.licensing@islington.gov.uk.

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

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