Property Licensing

Closed 20 Sep 2019

Opened 26 Jun 2019

Results expected 31 Oct 2019

Feedback expected 21 Nov 2019

Overview

London Borough of Havering want to ensure that private rented properties offer residents a choice of safe, quality and well managed accommodation. The key priorities are to reduce anti-social behaviour from rental properties which is caused by poor management and improve housing standards.

London Borough of Havering acknowledges that the majority of landlords operate their businessess professionally and that the private rented sector provides housing options for local people. Nonetheless, as the number of rental properties continue to grow in Havering, the Council remains concerned about;

  • levels of anti-social behaviour (ASB),
  • overcrowding
  • some rented properties that fail to meet satisfactory levels of  property management and standards. 

The introduction of a licensing scheme would allow the Council to focus action against landlords who ignore their responsibilities whilst providing a light touch regulation for compliant landlords. The proposals intend to help with:

  • increasing accountability and transparency of landlords and letting agents
  • reducing anti-social behaviour
  • improving conditions and safety for tenants
  • providing additional protections from eviction
  • provide information for both tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities
  • setting a minimum standard for the condition and amenities within the property

To achieve these objectives, the Council is proposing two property licensing schemes. These relate to different rented property use types.

Proposal One Add to the existing HMO licensing scheme by introducing a further scheme to include the remaining 6 wards currently not covered; Cranham, Upminster, St Andrews, Emerson Park, Hacton and Hylands. This is also known as additional licensing and this term will be used throughout the consultation to refer to this proposal. 

Proposal Two To introduce licensing of properties rented to a single family or household or two unrelated people in Romford Town and Brooklands wards. This is known as selective licensing and this term will be used throughout the consultation to refer to this proposal. 

 

Why your views matter

The Council must consult before introducing a property licensing scheme. This is your opportunity to view and feedback on the proposals. The consultation will run for 12 weeks.

Please see the links to supporting documents at the bottom of the page

Licensing proposal, evidence, objectives and fees

Proposed additional licence area map

Proposed Selective licensing area map

Charges and fees

Appendix One Proposed Additional Licensing conditions

Appendix Two Proposed selective licensing conditions

Appendix Three Legal framework and penalties

 

What happens next

Thank you for completing the consultation. All responses will be analysed and your comments considered. A consultation report of the findings will be presented to council members for consideration.

If you have asked to be kept informed about the consultation you will be advised when the report will be available or a decision made on the proposal.

A full report on the consultation will be reported to the Council cabinet in the autumn and the report will be made public at that time.

 

 

Events

  • Havering residents event

    From 3 Jul 2019 at 14:00 to 3 Jul 2019 at 16:00

    An opportunity to learn more about the private rented property licensing proposals

    Upminster Library
    26 Corbets Tey Road
    Upminster

  • Havering residents event

    From 3 Jul 2019 at 17:30 to 3 Jul 2019 at 19:30

    An opportunity to learn more about the private rented property licensing proposals

    Upminster Library
    26 Corbets Tey Road
    Upminster

  • Landlord, letting agent and businesses

    From 4 Jul 2019 at 14:00 to 4 Jul 2019 at 16:00

    An opportunity to learn more about the private rented property licensing proposals

    Romford Town Hall

  • Landlord, letting agent and businesses

    From 4 Jul 2019 at 17:30 to 4 Jul 2019 at 19:30

    An opportunity to learn more about the private rented property licensing proposals
    Romford Town Hall

  • Havering residents

    From 20 Aug 2019 at 14:00 to 20 Aug 2019 at 16:00

    An opportunity to learn more about the private rented property licensing proposals
    Romford Town Hall

  • Havering residents

    From 20 Aug 2019 at 18:00 to 20 Aug 2019 at 20:00

    An opportunity to learn more about the private rented property licensing proposals
    Romford Town Hall

  • Landlord, letting agents and businesses

    From 4 Sep 2019 at 14:00 to 4 Sep 2019 at 16:00

    An opportunity to learn more about the private rented property licensing proposals
    Romford Town Hall

  • Landlord, letting agent and businesses

    From 4 Sep 2019 at 18:00 to 4 Sep 2019 at 20:00

    An opportunity to learn more about the private rented property licensing proposals
    Romford Town Hall

Audiences

  • Residents
  • Developers
  • Planners
  • Tenants
  • Landlords
  • Managing agents
  • Solicitors
  • Estate agents
  • Letting agents

Interests

  • Licence applications
  • Development
  • Street cleansing
  • Parking
  • Public Protection
  • Environment
  • Street Cleansing
  • Tenants
  • Housing