Selective licensing – should I appeal the number of occupants restriction?

Selective licensing – should I appeal the number of occupants restriction?

0:07 AM, 29th August 2024, About 6 hours ago

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Hi, The London borough where I own a single apartment has recently introduced selective licencing to all rented properties across the majority of the borough.

The draft licence I have been given states a maximum occupancy of “1 household, or 2 persons in two households”. This seems a very low use of space given it is a very well laid out 65msq purpose-built two double bedroomed flat in the centre of London.

In the second occupation scenario, surely if a couple and a single were sharing (ie 3 people in 2 households), that is not making an HMO?

Part of me is just thinking about the gentrification this will force through.

The very lowest end for rent for this kind of flat currently is £2,100pcm, meaning a household income of at least £70k-£80k is required. Of course many in this area exceed this income, but surely only housing them, or forcing people to lie about their income is not the intended effect of selective licencing?

I have my 14 day consultation period now, so I would appreciate any insight into people dealing with this particular situation (rather than opinions on the rights or wrongs of selective licencing).

Is it worth appealing the 2 persons in two households, and any suggestions on points to use?

Thank you,

Mark


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