Council launches new HMO licensing consultation to ‘improve conditions’ for tenants

Enfield Council says it wants to “ensure improved HMO property standards and better protection for private tenants”

Enfield Council has launched a consultation on its proposals for a property licensing scheme for small shared houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the borough.

The proposed licensing scheme would take into account the views and feedback of residents, tenants, landlords, business owners and anyone else with an interest in the private rented sector in Enfield.

The council says it is “committed to its vision of more and better homes for Enfield”. To support this vision, the council has launched a consultation on the proposals which, if approved, it says would help improve living conditions and standards for HMO tenants.

In 2020 the council introduced a scheme known as the ‘HMO supplementary licence’ to improve property conditions, safety and management standards. The current scheme applies to shared homes that do not fall under the national compulsory HMO licensing scheme and will end in August 2025.

Since the start of the current scheme, the council says it has seen improvements in the quality and safety of HMOs. However, there is still “more to be done” to ensure improved HMO property standards and better protection for private tenants. The Council now wants to build on the good work that has been done so far and propose a new supplementary HMO licensing scheme from 1 September 2025.

Susan Erbil, cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said: “Enfield, like the rest of London, is in the midst of a housing crisis. With record numbers of people living in temporary housing and a growing number of families in crisis, there is an extreme housing shortage in the neighborhood.

“We know that it has never been more important for the council to ensure that HMO properties provide safety and security for all residents.

“Our existing scheme has taken significant steps to tackle poor standards in the private rented sector and we know that many landlords provide well-managed properties that do not cause problems for tenants or the wider community, for which we are grateful.

“However, council officers continue to find tenants living in unsuitable and often dangerous conditions; some of these are our most vulnerable residents.

“Supporting our most vulnerable residents is a number one priority for the council. That’s why we want to make sure as many people as possible have the chance to participate, share their views and comment on our proposals.”

The consultation closes on Monday 7 October.

Take part in the HMO licensing consultation:
Visit enfield.gov.uk/consultations/additional-hmo-licensing

Hard copies can also be requested through the council’s four hub libraries or by email or phone:
Call 020 3821 1761
E-mail (email protected)

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