London landlords to be hit by expanded licensing scheme

Landlords in Lambeth, South London, are likely to be captured by its selective licensing scheme, after councillors voted for its expansion.

The scheme will cover 23 of the 25 wards, costing landlords £923 for five years if they want to let a single-family household, or to two unrelated sharers.

It first launched in September, covering Knights Hill, Streatham Hill East, Streatham Common and Vale and Streatham St. Leonards wards.

Councillor Mahamed Hashi, cabinet member for safer communities, said: “Whilst most landlords provide good, safe accommodation, there are some who take advantage of tenants, or don’t know what their responsibilities are. That is why it’s important that the full range of powers is not only available to the Council, but readily used.

“We are committed to working with good landlords, helping them understand the legislative requirements, but we’re also committed to tackling those landlords that refuse to provide safe and healthy housing for tenants in Lambeth.”

The council reckoned around 9,500 of Lambeth’s 145,000 privately rented homes have a serious home hazard.

A Lambeth council report said: “[The plan is] ensuring that Lambeth is a borough that is fit for the future, that people want to call home and is one of the safest boroughs in London by 2030…

“In terms of the private rented sector, this includes not only tackling rogue landlords, tackling property conditions but also assisting those that need help.”

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