Big London borough to launch first phase of selective licensing

Lambeth Council is pressing ahead with plans to tackle rogue agents and landlords after voting through a new selective licensing scheme.

From September, agents and landlords in Knights Hill, Streatham Common & Vale, Streatham Hill East and Streatham St Leonards will have to pay £923 per property license to legally let any property to a single family household or no more than two occupants unrelated.

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And as he revealed wart in December Lambeth agreed to consider introducing an almost borough-wide selective licensing system for a further 19 wards.

A Selective Licensing report reveals that Lambeth has a total of 144,985 residential dwellings and in October 2022, 48,695 are in the private rented sector (PRS) – around 33.6% of the housing stock.

But almost 10,000 homes are expected to be at serious housing risk and since 2021 the council has also received more than 10,000 complaints of incidents of anti-social behavior in the PRS.

Each license will cost £923, which covers administration fees over five years and the management and enforcement of the licensing regime.

Selective Licensing

Councilor Mahamed Hashi, Cabinet Member for Safe Communities, says: “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 adds: “While most landlords provide good quality and 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 crack down on housing crime.

“It will also give us the opportunity to proactively investigate cases of mold and damp to ensure all privately rented properties are compliant.”