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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 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 moreLLAS Virtual Conference and Training Day – 27 March 2025
Date: Thursday 27 March, 10am to 2.30pm Venue: Online Cost: £50 for accredited landlords / agents, £65 for others About: The London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) invite you to join them for this informative training event. London Property Licensing is pleased to be one of the sponsors for this event. There will be presentations on […]
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 moreKensington landlord and property management company fined almost half a million pounds for operating an unlicensed and poorly managed HMO
A landlord and property management company operating a 22-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) has been prosecuted by Kensington and Chelsea Council. Following a complaint from a tenant back in 2020, the council begun an investigation which found the landlord had no HMO licence to operate the 22-bedroom house-share style […]
read moreBexley Council’s selective licensing scheme has ended
A selective licensing scheme covering Thamesmead North, Abbey Wood / Lower Belvedere and parts of Erith in the London Borough of Bexley has ended after almost five years. The scheme came into force on 1 October 2018 and extended licensing to all private rented properties within the designated area. The […]
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 moreSelective licensing scheme covering Harrow Council’s Roxbourne & Roxeth wards has ended
A selective licensing scheme covering Harrow Council’s Roxbourne & Roxeth wards has ended after five years. The scheme came into force on 14 March 2018 and extended licensing to all private rented properties within these two council wards. Whilst the council’s public register lists 1,753 selectively licensed properties, the council […]
read moreSteep rise in Enfield property licensing fees
Research by London Property Licensing has identified a steep rise in property licensing fees in the London Borough of Enfield. When Enfield Council’s borough wide additional licensing scheme was implemented in September 2020, landlords were charged a fixed fee of £900 per property to license their properties. These are predominantly shared houses, […]
read moreOver 300 landlords have submitted applications since the additional HMO licensing scheme was launched in Kensington and Chelsea
More than 300 landlords have applied for a new licence brought in this summer for house share-style properties to help make homes safer for private tenants in Kensington and Chelsea. The Council introduced the new additional licensing scheme on 1 June 2023 to help drive up housing standards and enforce […]
read moreWembley landlord given Brent Council’s first ever banning order
A criminal businessman has been given Brent’s first ever rogue landlord banning order. So-called property dealer, Jaydipkumar Rameshchandra Valand, who lives with his family in Swinderby Road, Wembley Central, has been banned from letting out houses in England and engaging in any sort of property management work in the country […]
read moreMajor changes announced to property licensing rules in Redbridge
New additional and selective licensing schemes have recently been confirmed in the London Borough of Redbridge. Additional licensing The council’s previous additional licensing scheme came into force on 13 April 2017 and ended on 12 April 2022. The council held a public consultation from 13 December 2021 to 7 March […]
read moreSelective landlord licensing is being expanded in Southwark
A new selective landlord licensing scheme is being implemented in the London Borough of Southwark on 1 November 2023. The new licensing scheme will cover the council wards of North Walworth, Nunhead and Queen’s Road, Old Kent Road, Peckham, Camberwell Green, Chaucer, Dulwich Hill, Dulwich Wood, London Bridge & West […]
read moreAdditional licensing scheme in Kingston upon Thames has ended
An additional licensing scheme that was introduced in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames on 1 March 2018 has ended after five years. The additional licensing scheme applied borough wide and was implemented at a time mandatory HMO licensing was restricted to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) comprising three […]
read moreCamden landlords and agents given hefty fines following two successful housing prosecutions
A management company running a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Camden have been prosecuted for fire safety failures. Monsoon Properties Limited were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling over £49,000 for the failures at the flat in Tavistock Place, WC1H 9RX at a sentencing held at Highbury Corner […]
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 moreNewham landlords – renew your selective licence by 14 July to save £350!
Newham landlords and agents who renew their selective licences by 14 July 2023 will be eligible for an early bird discount, reducing the application fee from £750 to £400. Newham Council’s latest selective licensing scheme came into force on 1 June 2023. It applies borough wide except for the council […]
read moreDawn raid discovers 11 people crammed into grimy rundown semi in Wembley
Brent Council housing enforcement officers found 11 people crammed inside a three-bed semi-detached house following an early morning raid last month following a tip-off from eagled-eyed residents. Housing enforcement officers entered the property in West Hill, Wembley, accompanied by police officers, shortly after 6am. They found tenants sleeping in every […]
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 moreGreen light for new selective licensing scheme in Brent
Landlords renting out homes in the Brent Council wards of Dollis Hill, Willesden Green and Harlesden & Kensal Green will legally be required to have a licence from 1 August 2023 after Brent’s cabinet voted in favour of introducing a new selective licensing scheme. The three wards were selected following […]
read moreHefty penalty for Ealing landlords who breached planning rules
Two Ealing landlords have been hit with huge bills totalling more than £600,000 for illegally converting houses into a series of cramped and substandard flats, which broke basic planning regulations. In unconnected cases, Ealing Council prosecuted Naib Sidhu and Vagnik Hovanessian for failing to follow planning rules at properties in […]
read moreKensington and Chelsea additional landlord licensing scheme starts today
A new additional licensing scheme for landlords and agents who operate house share-style properties is being introduced today (1 June 2023). The intention of the scheme is to help make homes safer for private tenants in Kensington and Chelsea. Landlords of house and flat shares with three or more occupiers […]
read moreConsultation underway on second phase selective licensing scheme in Barnet, but what’s happening with phase one?
Barnet Council is consulting on a second phase selective licensing scheme covering ten council wards. With the first phase selective licensing scheme not yet implemented, landlords and agents may understandably be confused about what is happening. London Property Licensing has been looking into the issue and will try to explain. […]
read moreHMO planning restrictions confirmed in Merton
On 17 November 2022, Merton Council made an immediate HMO Article 4 Direction covering the seven council wards on the east side of the borough: Figge’s Marsh Graveney Longthornton Pollards Hill Colliers Wood Cricket Green Lavender Fields Merton Council consulted on the Article 4 Direction from November 2022 until 22 […]
read moreIsleworth landlord fined £115,000 for illegal property conversion
In March 2023, Shashibhushan Vyas, from Isleworth, was fined over £115,500 at Isleworth Crown Court for illegally converting a side extension into a separate unit at his property on Mandeville Road, Isleworth. The tenant was found to be living in squalid and dirty conditions with a toilet located less than […]
read moreHillingdon landlord loses appeal against civil financial penalty
A Hayes landlord has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after the First-tier Tribunal upheld Hillingdon Council’s decision to fine him for numerous safety risks caused by his poor management of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Pradeep Kapoor, of North Park, Iver had appealed a penalty notice for […]
read moreHavering Council’s first additional licensing scheme has ended
An additional licensing scheme that was introduced in the London Borough of Havering on 1 March 2018 has ended after five years. The additional licensing scheme had extended licensing to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the council wards of Brooklands, Elm Park, Gooshays, Harold Wood, Havering Park, Heaton, […]
read moreLandlords needed for LSE research project on London’s private rented sector
Private landlords are being invited to participate in a research project on rental supply in London that is being carried out by the London School of Economics and Savills. The aim of the research is to understand why there has been a reduction in supply of private rented properties, with […]
read moreHackney Council to step up enforcement action on damp and mould
Landlords who put lives at risk by ignoring serious damp and mould issues will face fines and legal action after Hackney Council approved extra funding to improve living conditions and step up enforcement against rogue landlords. The 25% increase in funding, equivalent to £400,000 a year for the council’s private […]
read moreHefty penalty for landlord and managing agent found operating an unauthorised HMO in Barking and Dagenham
A landlord based in Ilford has been ordered to pay over £33,000 in costs for illegally running a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in the neighbouring borough of Barking & Dagenham. The three-bedroom HMO was identified by Barking and Dagenham Council’s Private Sector Housing Team in December 2018 who informed […]
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 moreEdmonton letting agent given hefty fine for failure to license properties
Green House Estate Agents Ltd of Silver Street, Edmonton N18 has been prosecuted and ordered to pay £35,000 for falling foul of property licensing rules. The letting agency failed to obtain selective licences for three private rented properties in Upper Edmonton N18. They also failed to provide information to the […]
read moreRoyal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea additional licensing scheme starts 1 June 2023
Following a licensing consultation that took place from 29 March to 20 June 2021 (read here), the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea has decided to implement a borough wide additional licensing scheme. The new scheme will extend licensing to most Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) occupied by three or […]
read moreIllegal basement conversion creating tiny flats results in hefty fine for Camberwell landlord
A private landlord who breached planning rules at two properties on Maude Road in Camberwell has been ordered to repay £42,637.20 in illegal gains and a further £10,000 in fines and costs at an Inner London Crown Court hearing on 13 January 2023. Mawan Musa, 63, of Maude Road, Camberwell […]
read moreTower Hamlets Council consulting on plans to renew their additional licensing scheme
Tower Hamlets Council is consulting on plans to renew their additional licensing scheme that extends across much of the borough. The current scheme came into force on 1 April 2019 and is due to end on 31 March 2024. The council currently operates three property licensing schemes. In addition to […]
read moreGovernment have approved Newham’s selective landlord licensing scheme for an unprecedented third 5-year term
Newham Council’s selective landlord licensing scheme has been approved by the Secretary of State for Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities for an unprecedented third 5-year term. Newham Council consulted on plans to renew their additional and selective licensing schemes from 9 November 2021 to 26 January 2022. The […]
read moreGreenwich Council have relaunched their additional licensing consultation
A public consultation is underway on plans for an additional licensing scheme in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The consultation originally started on 9 November 2022 and was due to run until 18 January 2023. London Property Licensing was unaware of any press release and did not find out about […]
read moreWest London’s largest private rented property licensing scheme rolls out in Ealing
Ealing Council’s new private rented property licensing scheme came into force on Tuesday 3 January in a bid to drive up standards in homes across the borough. The new selective licensing scheme is the largest of its kind in west London and will apply to all privately let properties in […]
read moreLewisham Council announce further HMO planning restrictions
In March 2020, Lewisham Council implemented new House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) planning restrictions in the south of the borough. The effect of the HMO Article 4 Direction was to remove permitted development rights to convert a single family property (use class C3) into a HMO with 3 to 6 […]
read moreWandsworth Council to revisit plans to license properties in the private rented sector
Back in 2016, Wandsworth Council explored proposals to introduce additional and selective licensing schemes following a petition from residents calling for action. Back then, councillors decided there were only a small number of tenant complaints and insufficient evidence to introduce such schemes. Instead, the council implemented a range of other […]
read moreMajor upheaval for regulation of the private rented sector in Merton
After a period of relative calm with few licensing schemes in South West London, substantial changes are on the way for landlords and agents operating in the London Borough of Merton. Merton Council has launched a public consultation on three proposals: An additional licensing scheme which will extend licensing to […]
read moreHefty penalty for Camden letting agent who failed to comply with client money protection regulations
A landmark fine has been issued to a Camden letting agent after a London Trading Standards led investigation found the company had failed to comply with regulations in place to safeguard tenants and landlords. The tribunal found, beyond all reasonable doubt, that Carter & Reeves Limited were in breach of […]
read moreDagenham freeholder fined for flagrant disregard of residents’ health and safety
The freeholders to a block of maisonettes have been ordered to pay more than £22,000 after failing to carry out repairs that left leaseholders and tenants living in “squalid and unsafe conditions”. A leaking roof, damp and mould, and a pigeon infestation were among the problems found at the properties […]
read moreNine point guide to spotting an out-of-date tenancy agreement
It is very important for landlords and letting agents to keep their tenancy agreements updated. Housing law changes constantly, and an old agreement will contain references to legislation which has been repealed. An out-of-date template will not accurately reflect the rights and duties of the landlord and tenant. Implied terms, […]
read moreNew selective landlord licensing scheme comes into force in Haringey
A new selective landlord licensing scheme that aims to provide safer, well managed housing for renters came into force across in the London Borough of Haringey on Thursday 17 November 2022. Following approval from the Secretary of State in August, Haringey Council’s new selective licensing scheme covers the council wards […]
read moreHave your say on selective licensing for private rented properties in Brent
A borough-wide consultation on selective landlord licensing for privately rented properties in Brent launched today (31 October 2022) for twelve weeks. The online consultation is open to anyone to have their say on landlord licensing in the borough. Three types of licensing schemes currently operate in the borough: Mandatory HMO […]
read moreGreen light for Ealing’s largest private rented property licensing scheme
The government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has approved Ealing Council’s plan to introduce a new private rented property licensing scheme across the borough. Ealing Council already operates a borough wide additional licensing scheme plus a selective licensing scheme (designation 1) in the three wards of East Acton, […]
read moreNew Brent HMO planning restrictions come into force on 1 November 2022
The London Borough of Brent is introducing new planning restrictions that will remove permitted development rights to convert a single dwelling house (use class C3) into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) with 3 to 6 occupants (use class C4). Background to the decision On 21 October 2019, Brent Council […]
read moreHow far do managers of HMOs need to go to ‘ensure’ compliance with the Management Regulations?
In the recent case of Adil Catering Limited v The City of Westminster Council [2022] UKUT 238 (LC), the Upper Tribunal addressed the question of what does ‘ensure’ mean in the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Management Regulations. The Tribunal was concerned with the scope of the duty imposed on […]
read moreProperty licensing rules have changed in the Royal Borough of Greenwich – what are the implications for private landlords?
London Property Licensing is warning landlords and agents about important changes to licensing rules in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Additional Licensing On 30 September 2022, Greenwich Council’s borough wide additional licensing scheme ended after five years. Whilst the scheme was originally expected to license about 7,500 properties a report […]
read moreAdditional licensing scheme given the green light in Barnet
On 26 July 2022, Barnet Council issued a Public Notice giving three months’ notice that an additional licensing scheme would be introduced. The council’s previous additional licensing scheme was in force for five years from 5 July 2016 to 4 July 2021. The old scheme applied borough wide but was […]
read moreIslington landlord must pay £40,000 after breaching multiple property licence conditions
Islington Council has prosecuted a private landlord who repeatedly failed to comply with licensing rules, including refusal to provide a kitchen for one of his tenants. The case was brought by the Islington Council’s Environmental Health team after an investigation revealed 15 breaches of residential property licensing conditions and a […]
read moreHounslow Council announce more stringent HMO planning restrictions
Proposals for new HMO planning restrictions have been announced by the London Borough of Hounslow. On 6 July 2022, Hounslow Council made a non-immediate HMO Article 4 Direction that applies throughout most of the borough. The only excluded areas are open land, industrial areas, Chiswick Business Park, Bedford Lakes Business […]
read moreRedbridge Council’s first selective licensing scheme has ended
A selective licensing scheme that was introduced in the London Borough of Redbridge on 13 July 2017 has ended after five years. The selective licensing scheme had extended licensing to all private rented properties in the council wards of Clementswood and Valentines in the south of the borough. Whilst the […]
read moreLewisham landlord fined £4,000 after water leak caused bathroom ceiling to collapse
A landlord and property owner who failed to repair a serious water leak in a private rented property in Lewisham have been fined £4,000 after their tenants’ bathroom ceiling collapsed. After the tenants got in contact with Lewisham Council in November 2021 to complain about the leak from the bathroom […]
read moreKensington and Chelsea council tenant who sublet his property as a small HMO has tenancy terminated
Investigations by Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea have uncovered tenancy fraud by the tenant of a one-bedroom council flat in Ladbroke Grove, W10. After the tenant submitted a Right to Buy application, an unannounced visit by council officers revealed three sub-tenants living there. Each of the sub-tenants were paying […]
read moreDisappointingly low fine for Harrow landlord who let unsafe property in breach of prohibition order
A landlord of an unlicensed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) has landed himself into trouble again after an inspection uncovered he was housing five tenants and himself in a dangerous two bedroom property which had been prohibited from use by Harrow Council. When officers inspected the property on Headstone Drive, […]
read moreNew property licensing schemes have been launched in Hammersmith and Fulham
Two new property licensing schemes came into force in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham on 5 June 2022. The council previously operated a borough wide additional licensing scheme plus a selective licensing scheme that extended licensing to all private rented homes in 128 streets. Both schemes ended on […]
read moreUnlicensed HMO with no working fire alarm leads to substantial fine for Camden landlord and agent
A Camden lettings agency, whose sole director was recently made the subject of an anti-social behaviour injunction and banning order, and the landlord of a Camden property have been found guilty and sentenced for controlling an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in the borough and providing unsafe housing for […]
read moreLewisham landlords warned – get your HMO licensed or face enforcement action
Lewisham Council has launched a new licensing scheme for all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough, helping to improve conditions for private renters and tackle poor quality housing. The scheme, which came into force on 5 April 2022, applies to all HMOs in the London Borough of Lewisham […]
read moreGreenwich letting agent fined £12,500 after falsely claiming to belong to a client money protection scheme
A letting agent that falsely claimed to belong to a client money protection scheme – placing both landlords and tenants at risk – has been ordered to pay a £12,500 financial penalty after a Tribunal Judge ruled in favour of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Maritime Properties incorrectly stated on […]
read moreSouthwark landlord to face two years in prison if £230,000 confiscation order not paid in three months
A private landlord has been prosecuted by Southwark Council for illegally squashing seven flats into a housing development that only had planning permission for six. In addition to this, three of the flats had extra-unauthorised bedrooms that added to the already cramped and sub-standard conditions. In 2011, planning permission was […]
read moreSuspended prison sentence for illegal gas fitter working in South London
A gas fitter and building company have been sentenced following unsafe and unregistered gas work. Southwark Crown Court heard that Valentin Pauliuc, trading as VP Plumbing & Heating, was hired in February 2019 by HSM Builders Limited, the principal contractor for a domestic renovation in South London, to carry out […]
read moreRedbridge Council’s additional licensing scheme has ended
An additional licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the London Borough of Redbridge ended on 12 April 2022. The borough wide scheme, which started on 13 April 2017, had extended licensing to all HMOs occupied by three or more people, including so-called ‘section 257 HMOs’. Whilst the […]
read moreGreenwich selective licensing scheme approved with promise of 60% early bird fee discount
On 23 March 2022, Greenwich Council’s Cabinet approved plans for a selective licensing scheme in the east of the borough. 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. […]
read moreNew Ealing property licensing schemes came into force on 1 April 2022
Landlords and letting agents operating in the London Borough of Ealing are being urged to check whether their properties need licensing after two new private rented property licensing schemes came into force on 1 April 2022. Ealing Council’s additional HMO licensing scheme extends licensing to most houses in multiple occupation […]
read moreHaringey Council to seek government approval for a large selective licensing scheme
On 9 March 2022, Haringey Council’s Cabinet approved plans for a large selective licensing scheme covering all private rented properties in twelve council wards. The decision follows a public consultation exercise that took place from 17 May to 5 September 2021 (read here). According to the council, the consultation attracted […]
read moreWandsworth Council are calling on landlords and agents to sign a responsible waste disposal pledge
Wandsworth Council are inviting all landlords and letting agents to sign-up for a joint initiative to help create a cleaner and more pleasant environment for everyone. Rather than implement additional and selective licensing schemes, the council is trialling a more collaborative approach. The council recognise that landlords and letting agents […]
read moreHow can landlords help low-income families manage the rising cost of living?
You know there’s a problem in the private rented sector when letting agents start talking about the unaffordability of properties for their prospective tenants. Agency chain Hamptons recently released research that sounded the alarm that households are about to be hit by ballooning energy bills and other cost of living […]
read moreHillingdon HMO landlords ordered to pay £27,000 after renting hazardous property ‘not fit for human habitation’
Robin and Susan Kirstein, of Berkley Avenue, Greenford, were sentenced at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Friday 4 March, after each admitting a string of offences contravening the Housing Act and the Building Act. The court heard the property on The Broadway failed to meet many basic safety requirements and was […]
read moreSpotlight on Greenwich Council’s Additional Licensing Scheme
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is potentially looking to consult on the renewal of their borough-wide additional licensing, which is due to come to an end in September this year. As part of the National Residential Landlord Association’s (NRLA’s) campaigning on local government, a series of audits will be carried […]
read moreNew Southwark property licensing schemes came into force on 1 March 2022
New additional and selective licensing schemes came into force in the London Borough of Southwark on 1 March 2022. Additional licensing A new borough wide additional licensing scheme applies to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not already licensable under the mandatory HMO licensing scheme. It includes smaller rental […]
read moreDuplicitous’ landlord who harassed tenants and left them in dangerous accommodation must pay over £50,000 following investigation by Waltham Forest Council
A private landlord who left his tenants living in “atrocious conditions” at their rented property has been hit with a fine of over £50,000. Arbab Ahmed was brought to book on 10 housing violations at Stratford Magistrates Court by Waltham Forest Council, in a case that has been running for […]
read moreUnderstanding banning orders for landlords and letting agents
Banning orders came into force on 6 April 2018 and have given power to local authorities to apply to the First-tier Tribunal (“FtT”) for a ban against private residential landlords or agents where they are convicted of committing a “banning order offence” against a tenant, other occupier of the property […]
read moreRedbridge Council’s additional landlord licensing consultation ending soon
Redbridge Council’s consultation on plans to renew their additional landlord licensing scheme ends on 7 March 2022. The original scheme began in 2017 and is due to end on 12 April 2022. Under the current scheme, licensing has been extended to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) throughout the borough. […]
read moreSuspended prison sentence for builder who made fraudulent fire safety claims in Southwark
Southwark Council have prosecuted Valeriu Sandu, of Valmic Properties Limited, for lying about fitting sufficiently fireproof bedroom windows in a purpose built block of flats. Sandu put quick payment and personal gain, ahead of the safety of people living in the block. In August 2019, Sandu, 49, of Pretoria Road, […]
read moreFour Camden landlords issued with five year banning order
Camden Council has successfully secured banning orders against four private landlords after they were found to be letting an unlicensed and unsafe home in Kilburn. The number of landlord banning orders secured by Camden now stands at seven – the most secured by any local authority in England. One of […]
read moreChanges underway to Lewisham Council’s landlord licensing schemes
Landlords and agents are being warned about various changes underway to property licensing schemes in the London Borough of Lewisham. One additional licensing scheme has ended On 11 February 2017, an additional HMO licensing scheme was introduced in the London Borough of Lewisham. The licensing scheme applied to all Houses […]
read moreLiability of Company Directors for Housing Offences
Corporate structure such as limited companies offer business owners and managers a way to avoid personal liability when things go wrong. The protection offered is mainly protection from commercial risks – the debts of a company do not become the debts of the shareholders and directors can only be held […]
read moreIslington Council launch consultation on changes to their 2021 selective licensing scheme
In a surprise move, London Property Licensing understands a new selective licensing consultation started in the London Borough of Islington on Thursday 23 December 2021. Timed to start just before the Christmas holidays, the consultation sets out plans to alter the selective licensing scheme that came into force just eleven […]
read moreBarking HMO landlord faces imprisonment if Confiscation Order not paid within three months
A private landlord has been ordered to pay over £64,000 for breaking housing regulations on a private rented property in Barking. On the 20 July 2021, Mr Sumon Miah of Mortimer Terrace, Highgate was found guilty at Barkingside Magistrates Court for breaching a planning enforcement notice served on a property […]
read moreNewham Council launch new inspection programme for letting and managing agents
Newham Council’s Private Sector Housing & Standards team, together with Trading Standards, will are carrying out unannounced inspections of letting agents and property management agents starting this week (10 January). As part of their commitment to fight for Newham private renters, the council have said they will be inspecting agents’ […]
read moreSelective licensing scheme to be scaled back in Hammersmith and Fulham
Hammersmith & Fulham Council currently operate a borough wide additional licensing scheme plus a selective licensing scheme that extends licensing to all private rented homes in 128 streets. Both schemes end on 4 June 2022. From 10 May to 10 August 2021, the council consulted on plans for new licensing […]
read moreDramatic rise in licence application fees as Lambeth’s additional licensing scheme comes into force
A borough wide additional licensing scheme covering all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) came into force in Lambeth on 9 December 2021. The licensing scheme includes house and flat shares, bedsits, and some buildings converted into flats that are occupied by three or more people forming more than one household. […]
read moreLewisham Council’s selective licensing consultation extended until 4 February 2022
Lewisham Council are consulting on plans to implement new selective licensing schemes covering a large part of the borough. This is the council’s second selective licensing consultation. A previous consultation on plans for borough wide selective licensing took place in 2019 (read here). On 11 March 2020, Lewisham Council’s Mayor […]
read moreHow to get named and shamed: a guide to notoriety and public disgrace for landlords and agents
Public shaming as a form of punishment might sound barbaric and outdated, but it still exists, adapted for the digital age. The Housing and Planning Act 2016 created the legal foundation for the Government’s Database of Rogue Landlords and Agents, and the promise of this register of criminal landlords and […]
read moreRichmond landlord fined over £60,000 after ignoring Improvement Notices
Richmond Council has told residents that its Private Sector Housing Team will address issues with poor housing conditions and take enforcement action against rogue landlords and letting agents. It recently prosecuted a private landlord after receiving a complaint on 4 March 2019 from a tenant living in one of the […]
read moreIslington managing agent fined over £80,000 for serious fire safety breaches in a block of flats
A managing agent has been ordered to pay more than £80,000 for safety failings which “exposed a potentially large number of people to risk of death or serious injury from fire”. London Fire Brigade inspectors found serious fire safety defects during two visits to a five-storey building on Danbury Street […]
read moreDecision on Greenwich Council’s selective licensing scheme delayed until 2022
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 moreEarly warning for Southwark landlords – new property licensing schemes being introduced in 2022
Southwark Council have approved new additional and selective licensing schemes that will come into force on 1 March 2022. London Property Licensing is advising landlords and agents to check the rules and get ready to submit licence applications within the next few months. The council previously operated additional and selective […]
read moreLewisham Council’s new additional landlord licensing scheme starts April 2022
Lewisham Council is introducing a new borough wide additional licensing scheme covering almost all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The new licensing scheme starts on 5 April 2022. The council’s current additional licensing scheme applies borough wide but is restricted to HMOs above commercial premises. It was introduced in February […]
read moreDagenham landlords prosecuted for illegal eviction
A Dagenham couple have been fined over £13,000 after they were found guilty of unlawfully evicting four tenants and breaching management regulations on a property they rented out in Dagenham. Landlords, Mr Stephen Kayode Rotimi and his wife Fadeke Rotimi not only removed the means to top up the gas […]
read moreProperty licensing consultation underway in Newham
Newham Council have launched a public consultation on plans to implement new additional and selective licensing schemes when the current schemes end in late 2022 / early 2023. The council wants to hear from tenants, landlords and local businesses about how the borough’s licensing scheme has affected them. Licensing of […]
read moreSouthwark Council take most landlord prosecutions in London
Two thirds of English councils have prosecuted no landlords for offences related to standards in or the management of private rented housing over the last three years, according to new research by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). The NRLA is warning that this failure to take action against the […]
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 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 moreWhat factors are considered when determining the amount of a Rent Repayment Order – Williams v Parmar [ 2021] UKUT 244 (LC)
The First-Tier Tribunal Property Chamber (Residential Property) (“the Tribunal”) has a wide discretion when determining whether to make a rent repayment order. A rent repayment order is an order allowing tenants and local authorities to seek repayment of rent paid where the landlord has committed an offence under section 40(3) […]
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 moreMerton landlord found guilty and fined over £33,000 for unsafe and unlicensed property
Merton Council has successfully prosecuted a private landlord and his associated property company for letting out an unsafe and unlicensed property, securing fines and costs in excess of £33,000. Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court heard the case against Pedro Reis Tenajas and London Corporate Relocation Ltd on Tuesday 21 September. Neither […]
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 moreNo more RROs against superior landlords – what next after the Court of Appeal’s decision in Rakusen v Jepson?
The Court of Appeal has ruled that only the ‘immediate’ landlord of a tenant can be liable for a rent repayment order in the important decision Rakusen v Jepson. In the First-tier Tribunal, and then a second time in Upper Tribunal, the landlord’s argument that they could not be liable […]
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 moreLandlord’s £5,000 penalty cancelled following successful appeal
In Summer 2020, I was approached by a private landlord for advice. He was renting out a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in the south of England. He was an experienced landlord operating several properties in the local area, and well aware of licensing requirments. Following an inspection of the […]
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 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 moreFire safety developments in residential buildings
The tragic loss of 72 lives in the Grenfell Tower disaster over 4 years ago brought fire safety in high rise residential buildings (HRRB) into sharp focus. The rapid spread of flames externally was a result of failings to the external wall system ACM and insulation cladding. The ongoing public […]
read moreIs ‘rent-to-rent’ a doomed business model?
There’s no question that ‘rent to rent’ is a risky business model, but many landlords are drawn to its promises of easy money and hassle-free letting. Rent-to-rent continues to be popular among landlords, especially in London. ‘Rent-to-rent’ is a way of letting properties where the owner grants a lease to […]
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 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 moreConfusion over electrical safety regulations leads to threat of enforcement action
I was recently asked for advice by a long standing client who operates a small portfolio of private rented properties. The landlord’s query related to a small HMO in a London Borough. I was familiar with the property as I had inspected it several years earlier. A property licence had […]
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 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 moreWill private landlords be forced to join a ‘redress scheme’?
In England property managers and letting agents are required to be a member of a ‘redress scheme’. A redress scheme is an independent body set up to resolve complaints made by consumers against a member of the scheme. Landlords and agents who have complained to an agent can escalate their […]
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 moreRefusal of mandatory HMO licence overturned on appeal
In Spring 2020, I was approached by a private landlord for advice. He was renting out a two storey House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) that required a mandatory HMO licence. He wanted to achieve compliance and had submitted an HMO licence application in May 2019. In late February 2020, the […]
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 moreTenants’ Rent Repayment Order applications dismissed by Tribunal
In late 2020, I was approached by a landlord for advice. Four tenants living in a private rented property in Charlton, South East London, had submitted Rent Repayment Order (RRO) applications to the First-tier Tribunal. Directions had been issued and they needed professional advice. I carried out an in-depth case […]
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 morePaper determination’ process is not a fair way to determine criminal guilt says Upper Tribunal
To make a rent repayment order or uphold a financial penalty on appeal, the First-tier Tribunal has to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that a criminal offence has been committed. Cases in the tribunal will not result in a criminal conviction, but a finding that a landlord or agent has […]
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 moreHigh Court rules on possession notices and deposit certificates given by company landlords
The High Court recently handed down its decision in Northwood Solihull Ltd v Fearne & Ors [2020] EWHC 3538 (QB). This is an important case for corporate landlords as it explores the requirements for companies when signing notices seeking possession and deposit prescribed information certificates. In the case the judge, […]
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 moreFinancial Penalties – not limited to just landlords and agents?
The Housing and Planning Act 2016 introduced a power for local authorities to impose fines of up to £30,000 on landlords and agents who commit a ‘relevant housing offence’ under section 249A(2) of the Housing Act 2004. These civil penalties, alongside banning orders and enhanced rent repayment orders, have changed […]
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 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 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 moreWhy compliance is the best defence to a Rent Repayment Order claim
In late 2019, I was instructed to assist a West Midlands landlord who had received a Rent Repayment Order (RRO) claim from one former and one current tenant. The case was being heard by the First-tier Tribunal, RRO applications had been lodged and Directions issued. The property was a two […]
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 moreIslington landlord defeats claim for £1 million confiscation order in the Court of Appeal
In the recent Court of Appeal case of The London Borough of Islington v Bajaj, we successfully defeated a Local Authority attempt to obtain a near £1 million confiscation order and maintained the original order that we had argued for in the Crown Court of just £200.00. We represented a […]
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 moreTemporary Exemption Notices and the extended time period for Notices Seeking Possession
When a property is required to be licensed under the Housing Act 2004 but does not have a licence, in some circumstances the landlord or agent, may request a temporary exemption notice instead of applying for a licence. To do so, the landlord or agent must inform the local council […]
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 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 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 moreCourt of Appeal rules on law on gas safety certificates and section 21 notices
On 18 June the Court of Appeal delivered its judgement in the eagerly anticipated case of Trecarrell House Limited v Rouncefield (2020) EWCA Civ 760. In a split decision, the Court confirmed that where a landlord has given the tenant a gas safety record (“GSR”) late, the s.21 notice will […]
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 moreHow many wash hand basins are required in a licensed HMO?
When the mandatory HMO licensing scheme came into force in April 2006, the government directed that in HMOs with five or more occupants, all units of living accommodation must contain a wash hand basin, unless there was already a sink. This highly prescriptive requirement was amended the following year by […]
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 moreHigh Court confirm strict liability for operators of unlicensed HMOs
The Divisional Court have delivered their judgment (read here) in the joined cases of R (Mohamed) v Waltham Forest LBC, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) intervening and R (Mohamed) v Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, Waltham Forest LBC et al, Secretary of State for HCLG intervening [2020] […]
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 moreDoes the Covid-19 lockdown mean I can delay starting my appeal or application to the Tribunal?
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every part of the justice system, with most hearings being conducted by telephone or videoconference where they are not postponed. The Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal is in some ways in a better position than other courts and tribunals since most of its work […]
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 […]
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