Over 1,000 landlords and property managing agents in Islington have made enquiries over the last seven weeks about applying for a House in Multiple Occupancy Licence (HMO). However, Islington Council warns that there may be many more properties in the area that need to be licensed.
Landlords with licensable properties who fail to apply before Monday 3 July 2006 may face fines of up to £20,000, a criminal record and potentially, rent repayment orders.
In Islington properties of three or more floors, with five or more tenants belonging to two or more households are required by law to be licensed.
Terry Stacy, executive member for housing and communities and deputy leader of the council explains: "A large number of landlords who require licences for their large properties in Islington have already made enquiries. In Islington we are already doing a lot to help people in shared houses. We are working well with private landlords and through the new national licensing scheme we can continue to drive up standards and eliminate poor quality accommodation."
Mandatory licensing will standardise existing registration schemes across England, making the process simpler for landlords and tenants to understand. Across the board procedures and stringent enforcement will also make it difficult for landlords to evade licensing.
To grant a licence the local authority must be satisfied that:
· the proposed licence holder, the landlord or managing agent, are 'fit and proper' people
· properties and tenancies are managed appropriately
· the accommodation meets all minimum standards such as sufficient number of toilets, kitchens and bathrooms for the number of residents
Properties will be assessed using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which has replaced the old Fitness Standard test for homes. Private residential landlords should now start to look at their properties in terms of risk assessment.
Licences for HMOs in Islington cost £110 per letting and are valid for five years.
To apply for a licence in Islington landlords should call Islington Council 020 7527 3083.
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Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008