Property118 | Lambeth, Islington and Lewisham unveil new selective licensing schemes

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

And it will cost landlords £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 behavior issues.

There are four wards in the original scheme – but Lambeth says it is already looking to expand this to a further 19 wards.

Lambeth is one of the most deprived boroughs in London

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

He said: “Private renting is often the only option for residents who do not have access to social housing and cannot buy their own property.

“This scheme will provide more support for vulnerable residents, help reduce overcrowding and improve housing conditions.

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

He added: “While most landlords provide good quality and safe accommodation, there are some who take advantage of their tenants or do not know what their responsibilities are.

“Licensing will help us crack down on rogue landlords and crack down on housing crime.”

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

The scheme will last for five years

The new scheme, which runs over 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 let properties to families or a maximum of two unrelated tenants.

The council is already looking to extend the scheme to a further 19 wards as it strives to “make Lambeth a more welcoming place for everyone”.

Lambeth’s private rented sector comprises around a third of its homes, with official figures suggesting around 9,400 properties are at serious risk to housing.

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

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

Lewisham and Islington are also unveiling new licensing schemes

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

In Lewisham, the scheme will cover a further 20,000 properties from 1 July.

Cabinet member for better homes, neighborhoods and homelessness, Cllr Will Cooper, said: “Selective licensing will ensure privately rented accommodation in Lewisham is of a higher standard and offers better security for tenants, who make up a quarter from the residents of our neighborhood”.

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

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

“While most landlords in Islington are responsible and look after people’s homes, we are hearing from hundreds of tenants who don’t feel safe or listened to as their rents go up and up.

“This new scheme will ensure they have the protection and homes they deserve.”