Residents across part of London are invited to give their thoughts on yet another new rental licensing scheme.

This is a new proposed additional HMO licencing scheme in Haringey, where the council has taken – in its words – “a robust approach by using enforcement powers against landlords who have failed to licence under the current HMO licencing schemes.” 

With the existing additional HMO Licensing scheme designation coming to an end, the new proposed scheme will require an additional licence if landlords are letting to at least three people who are not from the same household but share facilities such as a bathroom and kitchen. 

In addition, properties converted into self-contained flats that do not meet building regulations would also be considered as an HMO and will need a licence. 

A council spokesperson says: “All our residents deserve to live in a safe and well-maintained home. Nearly half of Haringey’s population privately rent their home, and we estimate that a quarter of these homes are in poor condition. 

“We have many great landlords here in Haringey, but it’s important that the Council uses all its regulatory powers to act against rogue landlords. The proposed additional HMO licence will protect tenants by giving the Council the tools to improve the conditions of those living in privately rented homes in the borough.

“I’d like to encourage all tenants, landlords, local businesses and members of the public to help us shape the future of local housing by giving your feedback on our new proposed additional HMO licence.”

At present, all HMO’s in Haringey are now subject to licencing, either under the extended mandatory licencing or under the borough-wide additional licencing scheme. To date, fines amounting to over £250,000 have been issued to landlords who have failed to licence their HMO.