Lambeth introduces new licensing scheme for PRS – and plans to widen the net

Lambeth Council has launched a new property licensing scheme aimed at addressing issues related to criminal landlords and improving the quality of private rented sector (PRS) accommodation in some areas of the borough.

The new scheme began on 2 September, landlords will need a license to rent out any property to a single-family household or no more than two unrelated sharers in four specified wards.

However, the council says it’s already looking at rolling the scheme out to a further 19 wards.

The selective licensing scheme was approved by Lambeth’s cabinet in May as part of efforts to enhance property conditions, improve management practices, and tackle problems such as anti-social behaviour and deprivation.

This means landlords will need a license and must meet specific conditions to legally rent out qualifying properties in the designated areas.

One of London’s most deprived boroughs

Cllr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth’s cabinet member for safer communities, says the area is one of London’s most deprived boroughs in terms of housing affordability, overcrowding and homelessness.

He said: “Residents who can’t access social housing and aren’t able to purchase their own property often find that renting privately is their only option, and most landlords provide good quality, safe accommodation.

“But there are some who take advantage of their tenants or don’t know what their responsibilities are, leaving too many people living in poor conditions or having to deal with the problems caused by overcrowding.”

He added: “This licensing scheme will help us tackle these problems head-on – as well as cracking down on rogue landlords, making sure that all privately-rented properties meet the standards we demand.”

One-third of homes are in the PRS

Approximately one-third of Lambeth’s 144,985 residential dwellings are privately rented, with official data estimating that more than 9,446 of these properties have significant home hazards.

Also, the council has received more than 10,000 complaints of ASB-related incidents in the PRS during a three-year period.

A 12-week consultation on the licensing proposals garnered support from nearly two-thirds of residents and local businesses for introducing licensing in the initial four wards and the subsequent 19 wards.

Each license will cost £923, covering the administrative costs and management of the licensing regime over a five-year period.