Lambeth, Islington and Lewisham unveil new selective licensing schemes

Despite the council’s cabinet member for housing recognising that most landlords offer good quality housing, a selective licensing scheme will be implemented in Lambeth.

And it will cost landlords a whopping £923 per property.

Lambeth says its new scheme will target private rented properties to improve living conditions and tackle criminal landlords.

It will also, the council claims, deal with anti-social behaviour problems.

There are four wards in the initial scheme – but Lambeth says it’s already looking to expand this to another 19 wards.

Lambeth is one of the most deprived boroughs in London

The council’s cabinet member for safer communities, Cllr Mahamed Hashi, says that Lambeth is one of the most deprived boroughs in London for housing affordability, overcrowding and homelessness.

He said: “Privately renting is often the only option for residents who can’t access social housing and aren’t able to purchase their own property.

“This scheme will see more support for vulnerable residents, help reduce overcrowding and improved premises conditions.

“Ultimately, it will lead to better housing for our residents.”

He added: “Whilst most landlords provide good quality, safe accommodation, there are some who take advantage of their tenants or don’t know what their responsibilities are.

“Licensing will help us crack down on rogue landlords and take decisive action against housing offences.”

Cllr Hashi says that licensing offers an opportunity to investigate cases of mould and damp and ensure that privately rented properties comply with the law.

Scheme will run for five years

The new scheme, which runs for five years, will start in September, for landlords in Knights Hill, Streatham Common and Vale, Streatham Hill East and Streatham St Leonards.

This scheme is designated as ‘Selective Licensing Designation 1’ and will require a license to legally rent properties to families or a maximum of two unrelated tenants.

The council is already looking to extend the scheme to another 19 wards as it strives ‘to make Lambeth a more welcoming place for everyone’.

Lambeth’s private rented sector comprises roughly a third of its dwellings, with official data suggesting that around 9,400 properties have a serious home hazard.

However, the council has received more than 10,000 ASB complaints within the PRS over three years.

The licensing scheme received backing from nearly two-thirds of residents and businesses during a public consultation.

Lewisham and Islington also unveil new licensing schemes

Meanwhile, London boroughs Lewisham and Islington are also introducing new selective licensing schemes.

In Lewisham, the scheme will cover an additional 20,000 properties from 1 July.

The cabinet member for better homes, neighbourhoods and homelessness, Cllr Will Cooper said: “Selective licensing will ensure Lewisham’s privately rented housing is of a higher standard and comes with better security for renters, who make up a quarter of residents in our borough.”

Islington’s expanded scheme, which came into effect on 20 May, applies to more than 5,000 properties in Finsbury Park, Tollington and Hillrise wards.

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Islington Council’s executive member for homes and neighbourhoods, said: “Private renters are under huge pressure, now more than ever, and we’re determined to stand alongside them.

“While most of Islington’s landlords are responsible and take good care of people’s homes, we hear from hundreds of renters who don’t feel safe or listened to, while their rents go up and up.

“This new scheme will make sure they have the protection, and the homes, they deserve.”

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