A council in north London is pushing for stricter regulations to tackle issues with "rogue landlords" managing houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs). Brent Council has expressed concerns over the large number of HMOs in the borough that fail to meet standards, posing potential risks to residents.

 

To address this, the council intends to reinstate a licensing scheme that previously resulted in 2,500 HMOs being registered, allowing for better oversight and improved management practices. Consultation on the proposal is currently underway, with plans to implement the new rules later this year.

 

According to Brent Council, HMO licensing ensures that rental properties remain safe, well-maintained, and equipped with essential facilities for tenants. It also grants council officers the authority to inspect licensed properties and verify compliance with required standards.The consultation document emphasizes the importance of using all available tools to enhance living conditions for tenants in the private rental sector, stating that licensing plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.

 

Currently, HMOs accommodating five or more people from at least two separate households must have a mandatory licence. The proposed expansion would extend licensing requirements to smaller HMOs with three or more tenants from multiple households.Under the scheme, landlords would be required to prove their properties meet safety standards while also allowing the council to enforce regulations.

 

The licence application fee would be approximately £1,040, covering processing, inspection, and up to five habitable rooms, with an additional charge of £25 per extra room.

 

Residents' Input Sought

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson highlighted the significant growth of private rental properties in Brent over the past two decades, now accounting for nearly half of all homes in the borough.

 Our priority is to ensure these rental homes are safe and of good quality for tenants, she stated.

 

She acknowledged the progress made in recent years but stressed that an additional HMO licensing scheme is necessary to further enhance property management in the borough.

We encourage residents to share their views on these new licensing proposals for HMOs, she added.