Hackney Council is planning to introduce a selective licensing scheme in an effort to clamp down on unscrupulous landlords in the local area as well as reduce anti-social behaviour in private rented properties.

The council’s consultation on the proposed introduction of the scheme in Brownswood, Cazenove and Stoke Newington wards will run until 3 December.

Hackney Council is consulting all residents, landlords and businesses, living and operating in the borough, on proposals to introduce two new licensing schemes for private rented accommodation in Hackney.

The council’s proposal is to introduce an Additional Licensing Scheme for all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and a Selective Licensing Scheme for all privately rented properties.

You can read the full draft proposal by clicking here.

Cllr Sem Moema this week launched a consultation on new powers designed to protect the borough’s tenants from living in “appalling conditions”.

Under the plans, landlords in Stoke Newington and Clapton, where the council reports that 20% of tenants face problems like dangerous boilers, exposed wiring or vermin infestations, which would require a licence from the Town Hall to ensure their properties are safe and well-maintained.

Cllr Moema commented: “One in three homes in Hackney is privately rented, and too many renters face a raw deal of spiralling rents and a poor service from a minority of rogue landlords.

“Our research has exposed that in some parts of our borough, tenants face appalling conditions that put their safety at risk despite paying an average of £1,820 a month in rent for a standard two-bedroom home.

“This is simply unacceptable. We believe that introducing these licensing measures will give us the powers we need to tackle landlords who exploit renters and make sure their homes are safe, secure and well-maintained.

“But crucially, we want as many renters, landlords and residents who experience these issues first hand to respond to this consultation and give their views on our proposals.”