New Government licensing rules are coming as part of a crackdown on non-compliant landlords.

The new nationwide rules change the description of Houses of Multiple Occupation – or HMOs – and extend the laws to additional properties. Haringey Council is urging affected landlords to act now.

From October 1 properties that meet the following criteria will be subject to mandatory licensing by the council.

  • HMOs occupied by five persons or more in two or more households, regardless of the number of storeys
  • Purpose built flats where there are up to two flats in the block and one or both are occupied as an HMO

The changes were announced by central Government. You can read more here: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/housing/landlords/houses-multiple-occupation/hmo-licensing/hmo-licensing-changes

Locally, Haringey Council recently completed a separate consultation with residents on proposals to introduce a borough-wide Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs, and a Selective Licensing Scheme applying to all private rented properties in 29 defined areas across the borough. This Selective Licensing scheme is designed to build on the mandatory borough-wide scheme. It aims, through positive regulation, to improve the condition of private sector rented accommodation and tackle anti-social behaviour in parts of the borough where residents and data have told us there are specific issues.  The results of the consultation are expected to go to Haringey’s Cabinet later this year.

You can read more about Haringey’s proposals here: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/housing/housing-consultations/current-housing-consultations/private-sector-property-licensing

Cllr Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Civic Services, said:

“These national licensing changes are very welcome, and a step towards addressing the very real issue of non-compliant landlords in Haringey, London and across the country. In Haringey we have consulted with residents on proposals to go even further to ensure houses in multiple occupation and the private rented sector are compliant with environmental health standards.

 

“If you are a good landlord, you’ve nothing to fear. But we will do everything in our power to make sure our residents are living in homes that are safe and secure.”

 

Leave a Reply