London,
11
March
2015
|
09:23
Europe/London

Landlord licensing consultation

Camden Council is asking if landlords should need a licence to rent out some types of shared property in the borough.

The Council’s proposals are set out in a consultation that’s running until 5 May.

Over 1,000 people have already responded. The consultation is now being extended to get the views of residents, businesses, tenants and landlords, especially in Camden’s neighbouring boroughs of: Barnet; Brent; Westminster; Islington; City of London and Haringey.

Camden already licenses 300 shared properties, also known as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), under a mandatory licensing scheme.

The proposals are in response to research with private renters and on property standards. The Council inspected 390 shared and unlicenced homes, and found two in five (44%) had at least one serious or other health and safety hazard.

A previous consultation with renters, landlords and residents also highlighted that the majority wanted the Council to do more to improve standards in privately rented properties.

Under the plans, some landlords would be expected to apply for a five-year licence and meet a set of minimum standards.

Cllr Sarah Hayward, Leader of Camden Council
“We face a real housing crisis in Camden and need a range of solutions to tackle it. A third of households in the borough live in privately rented homes so it’s even more important than ever that they have a safe and decent place to call home, and that we make Camden a place for everyone.

“We found less than half of private renters in Camden are satisfied with the quality of their home and three quarters believe we can do more. Our proposals are a way of ensuring better standards. I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part and now urge residents and businesses in Barnet; Brent; Westminster; Islington; City of London and Haringey to give their views.”
Cllr Sarah Hayward, Leader of Camden Council

Anyone who has already responded to the consultation does not need to do so again as their views will still be taken into account.

To give your views visit camden.gov.uk/landlordlicence or call 020 7974 2543.