News
Royal Borough of Greenwich launch consultation on plans to license all Houses in Multiple Occupation
Building on their commitment to ensure safe, secure and properly maintained homes for tenants, the Royal Borough of Greenwich want to hear your views on its licensing proposals for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
The Royal Borough is already legally obliged to license HMOs three storeys or more in height occupied by five or more residents in two or more households.
HMO licensing helps to ensure that this type of housing meets legal health and safety standards, is well run and provides at least a basic range of facilities which tenants can expect.
The new proposals would see licensing extended to all HMOs in the borough, so that would include houses and flats shared by three or more people who are not all related. The Royal Borough says this will help them to work together with landlords to drive up standards and improve both the quality and management of such accommodation.
The council says that tenants living in a licensed HMO can rent with confidence knowing that their property has been properly inspected and licensed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. In turn, the council says that landlords also benefit from HMO licensing as they can advertise a certified property which is clearly managed in a responsible manner and meets legal standards.
Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Environment Councillor Jackie Smith said:
“I am proud that the Royal Borough of Greenwich is building on its proactive approach to driving up accommodation standards for residents while tackling rogue landlords and illegal HMOs.
“We have not shied away from cracking down on poorly maintained HMOs and have received national media attention for our proven track record of fining and prosecuting rogue landlords who take advantage of tenants who are often vulnerable and don’t know where to turn.
“These licensing proposals are a further piece in the jigsaw for tackling the issue of rogue landlords through licensing approximately 7000 properties in the borough. I strongly encourage not just landlords and tenants but also wider residents who may be affected by these changes to participate in this consultation and let us know your views.“
The consultation runs from 29 November to 24 February 2016 and you can take part in the consultation at www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/hmolicensingconsultation
Alternatively, you can send your comments by letter to:
Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement Team, Directorate of Community Services, Royal Borough of Greenwich, The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ.
Comments on the consultation can also be sent by email to hmo-licensing@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
