Big London borough to roll out first phase of selective licensing

Lambeth Council is pressing ahead with plans to tackle rogue agents and landlords after it voted 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 need to pay £923 per property license to legally let any property to a single-family household or no more than two unrelated sharers.

BOROUGH-WIDE

And, as revealed by The Neg in December, Lambeth has agreed to consider introducing an almost borough-wide selective licensing scheme to a further 19 wards.

A report on selective licensing reveals Lambeth has a total of 144,985 residential dwellings and as of October 2022, 48,695 are in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) – some 33.6% of housing stock.

But nearly 10,000 homes are predicted to have a serious home hazard and since 2021 the council has also received over 10,000 complaints of anti-social behaviour-related incidents in the PRS.

Each licence will cost £923 which covers administering charges over a five-year period and managing and enforcing the licensing regime.

Selective licencing

Councillor Mahamed Hashi, Cabinet member for Safer Communities, says: “Private renting is often the only option for residents who can’t access social housing and aren’t able to purchase their own property.

“This scheme will see more support for vulnerable residents, help reduce overcrowding and improved premises conditions. Ultimately, it will lead to better housing for our residents.”

He adds: “Whilst most landlords provide good quality, 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 take decisive action against housing offences.

“It will also give us the opportunity to proactively investigate cases of mould and damp, to ensure all privately-rented properties comply with the requirements.”