Lewisham council in London is introducing a new licensing scheme for all Houses of Multiple Occupancy - claiming it will improve standards for renters and tackle poor quality housing.
The new scheme will require all HMOs to meet set standards for room sizes, health and safety, and management, ensuring safe, secure and well-managed properties for tenants.
Landlords will also be required to have clear plans to tackle anti-social behaviour related to their properties.
The Labour-controlled council says that with one in four Lewisham residents living in the private rented sector, extending HMO licensing is a key part of its commitment to supporting renters and ensuring more safe and secure homes.
The new scheme will apply to landlords of all eligible HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
Every HMO will be inspected and assessed as part of the licensing process and all properties will be inspected at least once during the five-year licence period in order to ensure compliance.
The new scheme will come into effect on April 5 2022 and to encourage uptake, landlords who apply for a licence before this date will be eligible for an ‘early bird’ discount.
A council spokesperson says: “Private renters are often faced with unsafe or insecure accommodation - particularly those living in HMOs. Licensing all HMOs will help improve the quality of housing across Lewisham and provide more certainty for tenants and landlords.
“As well as enabling us to work more closely with responsible landlords in the borough, the new scheme will help crack down on those who neglect their properties and fail to provide tenants with the safety and security they deserve.”
We're excited to announce that we're working on building a shiny new website for readers of Landlord Today! As part of this process, commenting on articles will be temporarily disabled. We look forward to sharing our new and improved Landlord Today website with you shortly!
Lewisham council in south London is introducing a new licensing scheme...
The London Borough of Lewisham has dramatically increased the fees for...
A local authority in London is threatening landlords with enforcement action...
Landlords in Lewisham are invited to a public meeting on Tuesday...
.png)
The UK property market is on the cusp of significant change...
Landlords, if you haven't heard of it until now, it's time...
(1).png)
As a seasoned landlord, you've likely witnessed the UK property market's...
Managing rental properties, whether you have a few or a dozen,...
Congratulations on taking the leap into becoming a landlord! Property investing...
Twenty twenty-four is a pivotal year for landlords in the Private...
There wasn’t much by way of good news in the Spring...
National Landlord Investment Show has announced that the former Leader of...
We are thrilled to report that the first National Landlord Investment...
Landlords play a crucial role in providing safe and comfortable housing...
.jpg)
Calling all landlords, Investors and property professionals: National Landlord Investment Show...
In the buy to let market, success goes beyond the transaction...
Mohammed Sharaz, a landlord from Bradford, recently seized an opportunity to...
We believe a well-functioning housing system is one that meets everyone’s...
If you are a landlord looking for the silver lining in...
This year is set to bring sweeping rental reforms that will...
Landlords are exiting the market in droves. According to an accountancy firm...
%20(002).png)
Newable Finance, the finance brokerage & advisory arm of Newable, launches...
Homes in the rental sector are more likely to have old...
Who are you and what does it say on...
Who are you and what does it say on...
Who are you, and what does it say on...
